Jonty Mark

By Jonty Mark

Football Editor


Khune declares himself fit for Bafana duty

Itumeleng Khune says he is prepared to play through the pain when Bafana Bafana take on Burkina Faso in Saturday's 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifier at the FNB Stadium.


Khune has been struggling with a slight shoulder injury, but believes he will be ok to lead South Africa on the weekend.

Stuart Baxter has named the Kaizer Chiefs shot-stopper as his captain in the absence of the crocked Thulani Hlatshwayo.

READ: Hlatshwayo withdrawn, Khune named captain

An injured Khune was badly missed as Bafana Bafana went down twice to Cape Verde in September, a huge blow to their hopes of making Russia 2018.

“I will be fine for the match,” said Khune on Tuesday at Bafana training.

“It is a very important match for all of us and we need all of our players fit to go and compete and make the country proud. I have been struggling with my shoulder, I overstretched it when we played Wits (on September 16) but the medical team at Chiefs and at Bafana have been looking after me and I feel better.”

The Bafana ‘keeper added that playing with injuries has been a part of his job “since I started playing”.

“I have played so many matches for club and country and I don’t get enough rest, but I can’t complain, it is my job and I have to deliver,” he added.

READ: Baxter explains Madisha and Johannes’ call-ups

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