Connect with us

NEWS

Zwane – We Need A Fit Itu

Published

on

Arthur Zwane has reacted to calls for captain Itumeleng Khune to return to the Amakhosi line-up, saying the veteran goalkeeper is currently in a special program to regain his top level.

 

Khune, 35, last featured for the Glamour Boys in Chiefs’ MTN8 quarter-final defeat on penalties against Mamelodi Sundowns, with the likes of Brandon Petersen and Bruce Bvuma as well as Daniel Akpeyi, who has left the club, getting the nod.

Amid calls for Khune to return between the sticks, Zwane has explained that he is not fully ready to be fielded at this moment in time.

“You know what’s key when you’re dealing with individuals. First you have to look at his mental state, that’s one,” he said during a press conference on Thursday.

“Is he physically and mentally ready, psychologically ready to got out there and give his best. Yes, Itu has been doing well in training but he’s in a program and the program that he’s in we’re pushing him to be ready to play at the highest level.

“Because should throw him into the deep end? Yes, he has experience, he can help, we know. But we need a fit Itu, a focussed Itu, an Itu where we know when he’s in there [starting XI] he’s going to add value.”

Fast 5G home wifi delivered to you fast from rain.co.za, proud sponsor of Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022.

Zwane also explained that the technical team are using the same approach for all their players, not just Khune, insisting the 35-year-old will get his chance when he’s ready to play.

“Otherwise, we’re going to throw him in with the hope that he uses his experience but if he’s not physically ready then might also count against him and haunt the team going forward,” he added.

“We protect all the players, it’s not only Itu. Maybe the question right now is about Itu, but all the players we treat them the same.

“We’re trying to make sure that they’re all ready and we could see that when you look at the way we want to play, it demands, it takes a lot from our players and our boys they’ve responded positively.

“Yes, the results haven’t been forthcoming but we try to give everyone a fair chance and when Itu is ready to play we’ll definitely give him the opportunity to play because we need experience, but we want him to be ready to compete.”

Official: Ex-Chiefs Man Completes PSL Move

Source Link Zwane – We Need A Fit Itu

Continue Reading