Kaizer Chiefs veteran goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune has downplayed the criticism levelled at the club by the die hard fans, stating that they will bounce back.
Chiefs are at home this weekend to DStv Premiership log leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns and Khune says he understands the frustrations of the 12th man.
As they come from their second loss in 2023 against AmaZulu, ‘Itu’ came under heavy criticism last week as they were demolished 4-0 following a blunder he committed.
However, the skipper said he will face the responsibility head on and as a leader, he cannot hide but to lead the team as they hope to stop Sundowns on Saturday night.
“I think to be fair, football is a team sport and yes, when the team is not doing well certain individuals will be labelled, will be given names,” said the 35-year-old keeper.
“I think that’s what brings the best out of me as an individual. As a leader you can’t run away from the situation we’re facing — you have to face it head on.
“Other players look up to you as their role model, they look up to you as a senior member of the team and I can’t shy away from the criticism because that will mean I’m not willing to grow as a footballer and a human being.
“There are a lot of youngsters in the team who can learn a lot from me. With the situation like this [Chiefs’ poor form], I have to rise and I have to give better performances than I gave [against AmaZulu].
“So, yes, we’ll be given names but one game doesn’t define an individual. I’ve played for over two decades. I’ve been given names before, but I know how to bounce back.
“But again, I don’t like talking about myself as an individual because we’re a team and we’ll bounce back as a team.”
Meanwhile, the former Bafana Bafana skipper and 2010 FIFA World Cup campaigner admitted it was difficult to swallow the drubbing by Usuthu but they want to redeem their dignity against the Brazilians.
“I think as players it is a difficult pill to swallow after our (4-0) defeat against AmaZulu. Going into this week we’ve told ourselves that as hard as it is, we have to put it behind us and start focusing on our next important home match against Mamelodi Sundowns,” he added.
“We have to go out there and get the result we want, which is a win at home. It’s very important we forget about the past and focus on the future.”
The match will be staged at the iconic FNB Stadium and expected to get underway at 20:00 on Saturday night.
Main Image: Itumeleng Khune/Twitter
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