KAIZER Chiefs coach Steve Komphela is spoiled for choice after the full recovery from injury of his number one goalkeeper, Itumeleng Khune.
Khune will compete with Brilliant Khuzwayo and Reyaad Pieterse for his place in next Wednesday’s Telkom Knockout final against Mamelodi Sundowns at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Komphela yesterday was happy to reveal Khune’s fitness, saying the keeper will be fighting to reclaim his place.
Khune missed the Knockout semifinal win over Orlando Pirates and last month’s league 1-1 away draw against struggling Maritzburg United due to attention to a knee injury.
Komphela said: “I have three top keepers – Khune, Khuzwayo and Pieterse – all training hard for the final and fighting for a starting place.
“I have not yet made a decision on who will start against Downs.
“I still need to assess the situation and consult our goalkeeping coaches.”
Komphela was quietly confident ahead of the sold out showpiece in Durban, but said he had plenty of respect for Sundowns.
Said the Amakhosi mentor: “Downs have a lot of quality players and it will be a tough final. They are a really good side.”
Komphela is determined to win his first piece of silverware at Chiefs after losing to Ajax Cape Town in the recent MTN8 final.
It is also his chance to win his first major trophy as a PSL coach after replacing Stuart Baxter at the start of the season
He said: “We owe it to our fans. They deserve a trophy and for me it would be fantastic to win and make up for losing the MTN8 final.”
Komphela said he hoped the recent four week break to accommodate the SA Under-23 squad now competing in the Caf U-23 African Cup of Nations finals had not disturbed the momentum of his players.
Said Komphela: “So far so good with our preparation, but you never know whether a long break will kill the momentum of the players, emotionally or mentally. But we’ll be ready for the final.”
