Former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune has shared his thoughts on whether Nasreddine Nabi should start Bruce Bvuma in the Nedbank Cup final.
Given Bvuma’s recent performance, Nabi will have a lot to consider when selecting his goalkeeper for the crucial encounter.
Chiefs are set to face bitter rivals Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final as they aim to break a near decade-long trophy drought.
Among Amakhosi’s three goalkeepers, which include Fiacre Ntwari and Brandon Petersen, Bvuma has had the most playing time. He has guarded the goal in 19 Betway Premiership matches, keeping six clean sheets while conceding 21 goals. In the Carling Knockout and Nedbank Cup, he has allowed six goals in a total of five outings.
Ntwari, on the other hand, played the first seven matches and let in 11 goals, only keeping one clean sheet. Petersen was in between the sticks for three games and was beaten five times.
However, a significant concern is Bvuma’s recent form, during which he has conceded nine goals in the last seven games. In those fixtures, Amakhosi have not secured a league victory.
DOES ITU KHUNE THINK BRUCE BVUMA SHOULD START NEDBANK CUP FINAL
In a preview for the Nedbank Cup final on X, former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Khune warned Nabi against making frequent changes in the goalkeeping position.
“In goals, there won’t be many changes because you know that’s the position you can’t tamper with,” Khune said.
“Once you choose your number one [goalkeeper], he doesn’t have to play one or two games and be out of action. And then he has to come back again after six or seven games. That position, you can’t tamper with.”
Since Bvuma began starting for Amakhosi in December, Khune believes he should be given the opportunity to play.
“I will stick with Bruce to continue where he has left off. As a goalkeeper, the more games you play, the more confident you get. So, this on-and-off rotation [as a goalkeeper] you won’t be able to perform.”
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