Khune desperate to silence Sundowns
Mamelodi Sundowns' brand of football was not named "shoeshine and piano" for nothing, and Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune knows this only too well.
Mamelodi Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana has a feeling that Kaizer Chiefs can do the unthinkable and beat Wydad Casablanca. Picture: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images.
The Amakhosi shot-stopper admitted this week that once Pitso Mosimane’s side cross the centre line and attack you it means trouble.
Chiefs will take on Sundowns tomorrow evening at FNB Stadium in a potentially key game in the Absa Premiership title race and Khune acknowledged that Masandawana are a dangerous team and that Amakhosi will have to up their game to keep pace with their multi-pronged attack.
READ: Mosimane tells Khune not to stress about Brockie
Sundowns have a number of players capable of being match winners like Percy Tau, Themba Zwane, Jeremy Brockie and Hlompho Kekana, who is a man for big occasions and can score long range thrillers.
“George (Maluleka) sent me a message warning me against moving off my line … I am aware of Kekana’s long range shots. I just have to prepare myself mentally and emotionally and get my calculations right because I don’t want to be caught daydreaming,” said Khune.
With five points separating the sides, a win for Sundowns will see them drift further away from Amakhosi.
“Our plan is to stay with the title chasing pack and not let Sundowns open the gap at the top. This is a chance for us to narrow the gap. But we are aware it is going to be difficult because they will also be looking at widening it further,” added Khune.
“Sundowns are on fire – they score from all angles. They get goals from (Sibusiso) Vilakazi, Tau and Zwane also scores. In our planning we have to be specific on how to close them down because as soon as they jump the centre line it is music. We will have to dance to that music and make sure we defend well,” said Khune.
Masandawana captain Kekana said their aim is to ensure they have a comfortable lead before the start of their 2018 Caf Champions League campaign.
“It is important to win matches … it is going to be mixed emotions when the Champions League starts because we will have to balance the two campaigns, but we have signed a few players who will come in handy for the busy schedule,” he said.
