Khune to face Senegal after injury deemed 'not too serious'

Cape Town - Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune looks set to face Senegal in crucial back-to-back 2018 Soccer World Cup qualifiers after a facial specialist deemed his injury as "not too serious".

Team manager Barney Kujani in an interview with Lesedi FM on Wednesday confirmed that the injury would only need a few days to heal with Khune likely to be available for selection.

"He is currently in camp, the specialist he saw says the injury is not that serious, and he will be okay in the next couple of days," said Kujane.

"But as you know Khune, he insists that he is okay, and he wants to play."

The Kaizer Chiefs shot-stopper will now continue to be assessed by the team's medical doctor with the player requesting a protective mask to be prepared for Friday's clash.

Khune was spotted taking part in the team's first training session after arriving at camp in Polokwane on Tuesday evening.

Meanwhile midfielder Thulani Serero has ruled himself out of selection for the upcoming qualifiers against Senegal after demanding a guaranteed starting berth.

In order to book their place for in Russia next year, South Africa have to win both their remaining fixtures against Senegal.

Baxter's charges face the Lions of Teranga on Friday evening (kick-off is at 19:00) at the Peter Mokaba Stadium and then travel to Dakar for the return fixture next Tuesday, November 14.

Hard at work; @BafanaBafana number one @IIKHUNE_32_16 busy on a workout in prep for Senegal on Friday #ComeShowYourLove pic.twitter.com/MBHClnpflH

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) November 8, 2017