'Daniel has not made it easy for me', says Khune

Cape Town - Itumeleng Khune admits that the performances of Daniel Akpeyi has made it difficult for him to get back into the Kaizer Chiefs starting line-up.

Khune came back into the starting XI last weekend as Chiefs beat GladAfrica Championship outfit Royal Eagles in the Nedbank Cup Round of 32, but it was his first appearance since September.

The 32-year-old gloveman has battled with injuries this season, which has made it even more difficult to compete with an in-form Akpeyi, who has become the first choice for coach Ernst Middendorp.

"It felt great to be back in the mix and the guys and supporters welcomed me with open arms," Khune told the media, as quoted by Goal.

"I have been working very hard to get back into the team, but Daniel has not made it easy for me. But he deserves all my support because at the end of the day we want to achieve as a team.

"And whoever gets the nod will get our full support. That's what Daniel has been getting from me and the entire goalkeeping department."

He added: "I think it is always good to give coaches a good headache on who to start and who to have on the bench.

"But every time we play matches and we get told that we are not in the starting XI we take it as professionals and give out support to those who deserve and starting.

"We just have to continue performing at training. We have to understand that only 11 are allowed ion the field with just one goalkeeper."

Amakhosi will host Maritzburg United in their next Absa Premiership clash on Saturday.

- TEAMtalk Media