Johannesburg - Kaizer Chiefs captain Itumeleng Khune insists persistent speculation on the coaching front has not affected the morale of the team.

Rumours have spread like wild fire that current coach Vladimir Vermezovic, who is in the last season of his contract in Soweto, is likely to make way for Free State Stars tactician Steve Komphela at the end of the campaign.

However, Bafana Bafana and Amakhosi goalkeeper Khune claims the players have never discussed the situation of a new coach, and that it is business as usual in Naturena.

Khune told Football365.co.za: "The bottom line is the players haven't heard anything from the management and obviously papers are papers. They will write anything they hear.

"As far as I know the players are not talking about (a new coach) and all we have been doing all along is to focus on what we have to do in the field of play.

"So we will hear from management when the time is right, whether we would continue with (Vermezovic) or we would get a new coach. We are not affected in any way."

In the same breathe Khune added the team will be ready to work with "anyone" should the Bucs backroom staff decide to replace the coach.

He said: "I think VV has done wonders for the team but whether he deserves to be given a chance to continue is entirely up to management, but if they decide not to give him another chance then the players will respect their decision.

"As players we can work with anyone who comes or we would just be as happy to continue with VV. It is really up to the management of the team."

Meanwhile, Chiefs have two major games coming up against Ajax Cape Town next week Wednesday before facing arch rivals Orlando Pirates three days later, and Khune said Amakhosi will be after maximum points in both matches.

"I know people are not talking about the Ajax match, because the derby is around the corner, but we will be ready to collect maximum points in both matches," Khune concluded.