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Khune: I am ready to lead

Cape Town - Kaizer Chiefs have appointed goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune as their captain ahead of the 2016/17 Absa Premiership campaign.

The 29-year-old formed an integral part of the South African squad that competed in the recent 2016 Rio Olympics, boasting the most international appearances (75) alongside Nigerian midfielder Jon Obi Mikel.

Khune takes over the reigns as the Amakhosi captain from midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala.

"All what I can say is that I am ready to lead," Khune told the club's official website.

"I have led before and I know what the armband comes with. It comes with a lot of pressure.

"I enjoy playing under pressure because it brings the best out of me. And, I am able to pass this to my team-mates. Our supporters demand results. We are ready to defend the badge and make our supporters happy."

The Bafana Bafana number one highlighted his gratitude at having been able to represent his country at the 2010 World Cup as well as the Olympics.

"We wanted to get to the knockout stage, but unfortunately our best effort was not enough to take us through. We just have to take the positives to build on towards the World Cup qualifiers," he added.

"I am grateful for that. It is also a humbling privilege to be captain at both the national team and the leading South African football club, Kaizer Chiefs. I love the responsibility and will do my best to lead both Bafana Bafana and Amakhosi to the glory days."

The Soweto giants begin their 2016/17 league campaign with an away fixture to Bidvest Wits, and Khune says that the mood within the camp is positive as Steve Komphela's charges are rearing to go.

"The mood in the team is full of high expectations. We are working hard as a team and things are looking good for the season.

"We are all excited to start with the new season. We are carrying the hopes of our supporters and we don’t want to let them down. I kept in touch with the team when I was in Rio and everyone is raring to go, starting with Wits next week. We are ready to do well this season," he concluded.

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