Chiefs’ Bvuma responds to Khune criticism

Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma has issued a calm and collected answer to Itumeleng Khune’s criticism of the current Amakhosi number one. 

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Khune told this week’s iDiski Times Newspaper that he felt Bvuma had not listened enough to his advice when he was first choice at Chiefs, and Bvuma was his understudy. 

Chiefs’ Bvuma – ‘Itu is a club legend’

He compared Bvuma’s lack of progress in his career to that of Ronwen Williams, who was second choice to Khune with Bafana, and has gone on to become the country’s best ‘keeper. 

“Itu is a club legend, what he has done for the team, I don’t think anyone in our generation will ever do,” said Bvuma on Thursday at the Chiefs Village. 

“What he has done for the country is very big. I respect him, I do talk to Itu and whatever has happened has happened. Whatever was said was said. My focus is doing well for the team and making sure I live up to my full potential.” 

Buvma has had to fight his way back as Chiefs first choice goalkeeper this season, with Rwandan Fiacre Ntwari and Brandon Peterson both preferred to the 29 year-old initially by Amakhosi head coach Nasreddine Nabi.l 

Since mid-December, however, it has only been Bvuma between the poles for Chiefs. He has done well too, though that has not stopped the criticism, with the fans also often getting on his back. 

“Trust me, every goalkeeper in the world, when you concede you can always look back and say you could have done better,” he added. 

“For me I take it as a positive when I get criticism. One thing that is for sure, before anyone says anything about me, I criticise myself. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Whatever someone says doesn’t have to impact on how I do things.

‘Coming out of love’

“I know all the criticism is coming out of love. I know they (the fans) are saying what they are saying because of their love for the team.”

Chiefs have a chance to finally win a trophy a nine-year drought, when they take on Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final on May 10. 

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First, however, Amakhosi continue their bid to qualify for next season’s MTN8 when they take on Marumo Gallants in the Betway Premiership on Saturday afternoon.