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Cape Town - Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune has defended the selection policy of head coach Ernst Middendorp after Daniel Akpeyi's high-profile error against Maritzburg United on Saturday.
Akpeyi's howler was costly as log-leaders Amakhosi went on to lose the game 2-1 with fans then heard chanting Khune's name.
Nigerian keeper Akpeyi has been Chiefs' number one as Khune has spent most of the season on the sidelines due to injuries and Middendorp has stuck with the former even though the latter is back fit again.
Khune though insists he will continue to train hard and will support whoever the coach selects in the starting team.
In quotes published on KickOff, Khune said: "I think it's always good to give the coaches headaches on who to start and who should sit on the bench, but every time we play and get told we're not in the starting XI, we take it as professionals and we give the support to the one who is starting and deserves it.
"So we're just going to continue performing at training but we have to understand that only 11 players are allowed on the field, with one goalkeeper, so I'll wait for my chance.
"I think it all boils down to confidence. The more I keep working hard at training, the more I will convince the coaches that I deserve to be back in the team.
"But if that doesn't happen then I will continue supporting Daniel because it is a healthy competition, and you can see whoever is on the field is able to perform.
"Unlike other players that you will find, when they are on the bench, they sulk and the ones on the field are unable to concentrate and perform to the best of their ability.
"So Daniel has been getting that full support from everybody in the goalkeeping department and that’s why he has been doing so well."
- TEAMTalk Media
