Kaizer Chiefs head coach Cavin Johnson has shed some insight into the return of Itumeleng Khune, who was in the match-day squad for the first time since November 2023, as Amakhosi drew with AmaZulu FC.
The Soweto giants' Top Eight ambitions suffered another setback as they surrendered a 1-0 lead to end all square at 1-1 with Usuthu at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday.
READ | Johnson forced to use 'spare key' to shut backdoor against AmaZulu
Ashley Du Preez opened the scoring as early as the second minute of the match, but Victor Letsoalo levelled matters with a header late in the first half.
It also did not go unnoticed by the Chiefs supporters that made it to the stadium that veteran shot-stopper Khune was on the substitutes bench, getting a huge round of applause from the stands during Amakhosi's warm up.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Johnson insisted that Bruce Bvuma remains the first choice, while Khune and Brandon Petersen battle for second.
"Look. in the dressing room, it's always been positive," Johnson said when asked by KickOff about Khune's influence.
"He's always given us positives, Khune, in the dressing room, and the fact that he's been here for two decades is even more important and he knows what he has to contribute.
"He's back on the bench now because we know that Brandon got a red card, so it was touch-and-go for him on whether he was going to make it.
"The football gods have given him an opportunity to come on the bench in the last few games while Brandon is out, but then they have to fight with him to see who is second, because at the moment, Bruce [Bvuma] is number one.
ALSO READ | Johnson: Vilakazi will get more game time
Meanwhile, Sunday's draw leaves Chiefs in eighth place on the DStv Premiership table with two matches to play.
Their next game is against Polokwane City at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
Click HERE to register!