Cape Town - South
Africa international goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune has revealed that
critics do not deter him, following his impressive performance against
Brazil in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
Owen Da Gama was largely berated by the South African football fraternity, following his inclusion of the Kaizer Chiefs shot-stopper as part of the Amaglug-glug squad, but Khune says he isn't fazed by critics.
"I am not discouraged by critics."
"Instead, they motivate me to perform even better. I am a professional and I turn every negative into a positive," Khune told SAFA's website.
The 29-year-old pulled off a string of fine saves in his team's goalless draw with the host-nation and revealed that the electrifying atmosphere he experienced at the Mane Garrincha Stadium against the Selecao was not overwhelming.
"The atmosphere was electrifying, but it is normal for us as most of us in the Olympic team play to these numbers and higher like in the Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates just last weekend. I believe that my experience helped a lot in the match and the defensive line was very solid because of the understanding that Mathoho, Coetzee and I have," he added.
"I was also very impressed with Mobara in right back who kept Neymar busy all night and did not give him any room to play. We have a very good group of players in our squad and the draw against Brazil will inspire us going forward.
"Now we have to turn our attention to the match against Denmark and work on getting three points in that match."
Khune is likely to feature for Owen Da Gama's side in their next fixture where they will face Denmark on Sunday, August 7th at 19:00 (Monday, 12:00 am SA Time).