Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Virgil Vries says he intends to make his own name at the club and feels he does not have to emulate injured number one Itumeleng Khune.
The Namibia international arrived at Chiefs as a free agent from Baroka and was expected to be number two for the duration of the 2018/19 campaign.
However, with Khune being ruled out for the rest of the season with a shoulder injury which he picked up in December, it seems Vries is now the first choice keeper with Bruce Bvuma as back-up.
The 27-year-old has had a mixed start to life in goal as he made a major error which lead to a defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns on 5 January.
Yet, since then the player has largely put in some consistent performances for the Glamour Boys.
He told reporters: “I would say, based on the fact that the club is a big club, playing here comes with pressure [already], and for the mere fact that Khune is not here means there’s obviously also pressure to perform and keeping up to the standard.
“But, one thing I should not focus on is what Khune has done with the club, but rather how I can help the club to be better and in order to give myself a chance to grow and improve in the environment as well.
“For me to fill Khune’s shoes, I don’t want to fill his shoes, I want to fill my own shoes because I have to look at myself, it has to start with me.
“Because if I’m trying to fill his shoes, I’m not giving myself chance to be who I am and for people to see the goalkeeper that I am, so rather I be myself and add value to the club.”
