Posted in News on Sep 17, 2010.
However the young lad from Ventersdorp answering the questions from the fans insists that is ‘water under the bridge. I want to score more goals’.
Lucky Khune speaks passionately about his love for the supporters and the relationship with his brother, Itumeleng Khune. “I respect Itu not only as a senior player at Chiefs - it starts at home where he is an older brother. When Itu speaks, I listen” he says.
What are you doing to ensure that you stay down to earth as most youngsters’ talent goes to waste due to off the field problems?
Reuben Mohale
Lucky Khune: (Taking a deep breath) It can be difficult…straight from the development to the first team and surrounded by big players. I struggled a lot to come into terms with this last season…I trained about twice with the first team and made my debut against Pirates in Rustenburg.
I remember going to the “Devo” (Development) saying to myself, ‘I am playing for the first team now’. The guys at the development also gave me lot of attention. As a result I relaxed last season and did not push enough. I did not really misbehave though but my attitude changed a little bit because I thought that I had arrived.
I am fortunate to come from a strict family and never really did stuff to compromise my talent. I told myself at the beginning of this season that I would have to work hard to ensure that I keep my place in the team.
I enjoyed your goal against Orlando Pirates; personally I think you are key this season. Just carry on with your hard work. The coach will field you.
Lebogang Pilatso
Lucky Khune: Thanks Lebo. The goal against Orlando Pirates changed my life…I mean scoring in a Soweto derby in front of 90 000 supporters. I just went mad after scoring that goal.
I recall earlier in the week telling Skipper (Jimmy Tau), “I will start on Saturday”. This did not happen in the game against Sundowns early in the day. I was a bit upset thinking maybe I am going to miss out. When my name was called in the starting line up against Pirates in the final, I could not believe it. Itu might have noticed that I was a bit surprised and told me to relax and play my normal game.
(FFQ from www. Kaizerchiefs.com): Now what was different in your response after making your debut in the charity against Pirates and when you scored against the same team this time around?
Lucky Khune: This time I was more matured to handle the attention. I knew that I had not achieved anything by scoring. I remember coming to training very early the Monday after that…I was hungry for more.
What must we expect from you this season when you get an opportunity to play?
Kwena Nicodemus Tsipa
Lucky Khune: As a striker, you can expect goals from me. I will work hard at training and when I get a chance to play I will grab it by both hands.
Does being Itu (Itumeleng Khune) brother put you under pressure?
Lucky Khune: Eish! Yes, it does sometimes…people want to compare me with Itu. We are different and we play in different positions on the field. If I make a mistake just in life people will say…Itu is not like this! It does get to me sometimes but I do not let it affect me on the field of play.
I also use it as a motivation, for instance when Itu makes a save on the other end of the field. I go all out to try and score on the other end (smiling).
Itu has done really well for himself and is always on top of his game. He also, like me, started from the bottom up and I have to do the same.
Looking at the current strikers that we have in the team, Knowledge Musona, Sthembiso Ngcobo, Nkosinathi Nhleko, Jose Torrealba, Kaizer JR, what is that you will be bringing into the frontline that will make you different from them?
Chillas Ntuli
Lucky Khune: This is a tough question…all the guys you have mentioned are top players and I am learning from all of them. Musona was our top goalscorer last season while Chippa chipped in with crucial goals. We all know what both Kaizer and Jose are capable of doing, and for me - I learn from all of them.
I do believe that we all offer something different for the team. I need for instance, one or two chances to score and I have the ability to create goals for my teammates.
I like the way you play my man. May I have your jersey my man?
Mduduzi Nkosi
Lucky Khune: Mdu unfortunately I do not have any jerseys at this moment. I will organize something for you when the season ends. Please contact the office sometime in May I might have something for you. Thank you for your support!
How do you feel to be in the same team as your brother and who do you normally share a room with at camp?
Dikeledi Booysen
Lucky Khune: Playing with Itu in the same team is nice. He always follows what I do and supports me. For instance if I did not do something he will come and talk to me…encourage me when I am down. He is always there for me and at times he will also give me a tongue-lashing.
I have lot of respect for Itu, first as a brother. This starts at home. When he speaks, I listen. Sometimes he will worry because I do not talk back when he saying something but it is all because of the respect I have for him as a brother. In the team, he is a senior player and I respect him like I respect all the senior guys in the team.
Most of the times my roommate is George Lebese. We are both young and communicate well. I also enjoy the company of the likes of Yende (Mthokozisi), Sthembiso (Ngcobo). Chippa has also been my roommate on one occasion. I am comfortable sharing a room with any of my teammates.
I hope they put you in the starting line up in the return leg of the MTN8 so that you can repeat…
Nhlahla Pompi
Lucky Khune: (jumping in) against Pirates??? I have always loved playing against Pirates and will do everything to take the team to the final. Having said that I think we have a good chance against them and I have a belief in my teammates that we will proceed to the final even if I do not get a chance to play.
Who is your role model at the Club?
David Kumbi
Lucky Khune: Itumeleng Khune.
I am looking forward to your partnership with Knowledge Musona. What is your nickname?
Musa
Lucky Khune: I have played with Knowledge at training and in one or two games. I think we would create havoc for the defence. I rate him very highly. He is a player with good technique and speed.
During my days at Khune FC back home in Ventersdorp I was nicknamed, KAKA because I played as an attacking midfielder.
What motivates you when you go out as a player?
Thandiwe Hlongwane
Lucky Khune: (Taking a pause) Where I come from and how we grew up at home. I want to do well and change things at home. I am also motivated by our passionate supporters who some of them bet with their wives and sleep without food when we lose…I always want to put smile on their faces.
Lucky you are very young what are you currently doing with your studies?
Mbulelo Faniselo
Lucky Khune: I want to register next year and finish Grade 12. I went to Meadowlands High but failed…this for me is important and I am already discussing it with people at the Club for me to go back to school next year. Thanks for the advice.
What do you think you need to do to get into the starting line up or what is it that you are not doing to start games?
Colleague, Kenny Dambe
Lucky Khune: I spoke to the Coach this week and he tells me that it is not possible for me to play at this stage with Knowledge, as we are both young. I am working hard at training and I always practice shooting when I get home. Our Fitness Trainer has also been helping me build my muscles.
There are areas that I need to pay attention to in order for me to realize my dream of playing regularly for this team. For instance at training on Thursday, the coach spoke to me about my shooting & how to improve on it. I know that he believes in my ability. I just have to keep working hard at training. It is my dream to win the league with the team this season.
Lucky Khune together with kaizerchiefs.com would like to thank all the fans who sent the questions and words of encouragement.
