Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter has confirmed that club captain Itumeleng Khune was his first choice goalkeeper at the club.
Khune started against Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 Cup on Sunday and despite AmaKhosi losing in a penalty shoot-out the 34-year-old shot-stopper looked very solid overall between the posts.
Currently, the Chiefs’ goalkeeping department comprises of Khune, Daniel Akpeyi, Bruce Bvuma and new signing Brandon Petersen.
In an interview with media on Sunday at the MTN8, Baxter confirmed Khune’s role in the team.
“We’ve got four goalkeepers that on any given day could be the number one,” Baxter said.
“This is not about rotation or mix and match. This is about choosing the goalkeeper who is playing well, that’s in the best shape and suits the opponent.
“If Itu plays outstanding then we’ll not be rotating, but if we feel Itu has gone off the boil or one of the others are playing outstanding and he will suit the next opponent better, then we’ll make the change.”
Baxter added players were selected purely on form and not for personal reasons.
“I have four [goalkeepers] who I’m very comfortable with each being the number one. I’ll listen to Lee [Baxter], the goalkeeper coach and the opinions of the rest of the staff and discuss that about the upcoming opponents and make the best decision for that game,” Baxter added.
“The competition is healthy. It’s unhealthy when Itu is put on the sidelines and he’s not all over social media and has a bad attitude in training, which is not the case.
“None of them are like that. Everyone is committed and supports the other no matter who it may be.”
