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Cape Town - Kaizer Chiefs head coach Steve Komphela has warned returning goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune that he won't walk straight back into the first-team line-up.
The 28-year-old parted ways with Amakhosi at the end of the 2014/15 Premiership campaign, after failing to agree terms on a new contract.
After being courted by clubs both locally and abroad, Khune eventually rejoined the Soweto giants late last week, finally ending the uncertainty over his future.
However, Komphela has been quick to point out that Khune will have to battle it out with Reyaad Pietersen and Brilliant Khuzwayo for the number one jersey in the season ahead.
"Itu [Khune] is back and we welcome him back," Komphela told reporters.
"Is he going to walk back into the team? No one has a birth right to walk into any team.
"If you look at Reyaad, he had a blinder [against Orlando Pirates]. What message would I be sending if Itu walks back into the team? He [Khune] is a good keeper, but he needs to earn his stripes again."
Kaizer Chiefs are in MTN8 action on Wednesday night when they face Maritzburg United for a place in the semi-finals.
The match at the FNB Stadium kicks off at 19:00.
