Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma has broken his silence on Itumeleng Khune’s absence at the club since the veteran shot-stopper’s suspension due to disciplinary transgressions.
As it was first reported by FARPost, Khune was suspended by the Soweto giants in November 2023 for allegedly arriving at Kaizer Chiefs Village while under the influence of alcohol.
Khune was then “temporarily separated from the team until certain conditions have been fulfilled” by Chiefs following a disciplinary hearing process almost three months ago.
Amakhosi further decided to strip off the former Bafana Bafana shot-stopper of his captaincy at the club. As a result, Yusuf Maart was named as the new club captain, something that’s not new to him as he was the captain at his former club, Sekhukhune United.
The highly-experienced goalie participated in Carling Cup, as he was part of the Carling All-Stars team after being voted by the fans to be in the starting line-up, when they faced Carling Knockout champions Stellenbosch FC at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on the 6th of January 2024.
On that day, Khune pulled a Man of the Match performance, walking away with R100K prize money, voted by fans.
BRUCE BVUMA ON ITUMELENG KHUNE’S ABSENCE
Bvuma, who has kept five clean sheets in six appearances for Chiefs across all competitions, revealed how he misses Khune as he’s someone he grew up idolising.
Bvuma was speaking to journalists during the Glamour Boys’ media open day at Naturena on Thursday, 29 February 2024.
“Well, ‘Itu’ is the legend of the club. He’s the legend of South African football. This is one person we all idolised when growing up, especially goalkeepers, a lot of us,” said Bvuma.
“I have learned a lot from him. With everything that’s going on, this is someone I’m very close with. We do talk quite a lot and he’s happy of course, with me playing and performing for the team.
“Do I miss him? Of course, I do. Like I said, he’s the club legend and South African football legend. I mean, not having someone like that next to you, so you will miss him because you’re used to having that person next to you each and every day.”
WHEN WILL ITUMELENG KHUNE RETURN?
However, it remains unclear when Khune will return to the club, as coach Cavin Johnson failed to answer that that question when he was asked by the media after Chiefs’ 0-0 draw with Royal AM on Sunday, 18 February 2024.
“Khune is still in the same situation that you guys find in the media and the club will do something once that is done,” said Johnson.
Chiefs will take on Moroka Swallows in their next fixture in a DStv Premiership Soweto Derby on Saturday, 2 March 2024.
The game will kick off at 17:45 at the FNB FNB Stadium.
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