Former Kaizer Chiefs coach sticks up for Itumeleng Khune

The coach who handed Itumeleng Khune his first start in his Kaizer Chiefs career has defended the veteran stopper against the barrage of criticism he currently faces.

Muhsin Ertugral feels that it is unfair to lay all of Kaizer Chiefs defensive woes at the feet of Khune.

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Itumeleng Khune during Kaizer Chiefs Media Day on 13 February 2020 at Kaizer Chiefs Village, Pic Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

Former Kaizer Chiefs coach backs keeper

Ertugral was in charge at Naturena, when Khune emerged through the ranks and he handed Khune the gloves for his first senior match against Jomo Cosmos.

The past two seasons have been plagued by injury and despite returning to full fitness, it seems something is missing for Khune.

Ertugral believes that the entire Kaizer Chiefs defence needs to step up to help Khune find his best form. The Turkish coach believes that Khune still has plenty of value to add to the squad with his wealth of local and international experience.

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Itumeleng Khune during the DStv Premiership 2020/21 game between Golden Arrows and Kaizer Chiefs at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Durban on 21 November 2020 © Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix

“I feel from afar really sad,” Ertugral told Soccer Laduma this week. 

“Firstly, a goalkeeper cannot play very bad if the defence is good in front of him, it’s a synergy between the whole defensive line.

“The question has to be what is happening, (in the) day to day business? He is a top player and his experience is in these situations important.” 

Khune criticism crosses the line

Ertugral has warned fans off using Khune as a punching bag to vent all their frustrations over what has, so far, been a very disappointing season for Kaizer Chiefs.

kaizer chiefs Khune
Itumeleng Khune warms up before the Absa Premiership 2019/20 game between Cape Town City and Kaizer Chiefs at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town on 27 August 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

The former coach pointed out that Khune is Amakhosi through and through having come through the club’s academy and spent his entire senior career at Naturena.

“He is a Chiefs player and has come up from their own academy. It cannot be his responsibility alone. I understand the criticism and that is good and I know through his mentality he will overcome it,” Ertugral added.

Khune was granted a leave of absence after the death of his sister, and it remains unclear if he will be available for Kaizer Chiefs Caf Champions League group stage match against Petro du Luanda on Tuesday.

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