Amakhosi goal minder Itumeleng Khune is unbeaten in the last 549 minutes of action, which includes a run of five consecutive games without letting in a goal. However, his focus is now solely on Kaizer Chiefs’ next assignment - the much anticipated first competitive meeting of the season with Orlando Pirates, this Saturday.

“I am not in the game to break any records,” Khune says about his recent good run of form. I play to better myself and to help my teammates. My success is their success, their success is my success and, if we work together, we will benefit as a team.”

Bafana’s No 1 believes that Amakhosi’s success thus has far has been built on a foundation of toiling on the training ground and working together as a team.

“Hard-work perseverance, proper communication and also good leadership at the back have helped us get to where we are at present,” Khune adds.

The 29-year-old is furthermore convinced that the team have the right formula towards achieving the kind of results that will keep them in touch with the pace setters, saying, “defence wins championships and strikers win games, so it’s important we do well at the back, shut the door so to say and inspire our attacking players to score goals. For Saturday, we are focused on the job, we have to go out there and execute the coach’s plan.”

Khune loves playing in the Soweto Derby: “It can make or break you. However, I have enjoyed every Derby. It is the kind of game you can use to showcase your talents. I respect all teams and all games, but the Derby has something special to it - a big crowd at the stadium, a huge television audience and a massive pre-match anticipation from the fans.”

With the Buccaneers undefeated this season and Amakhosi leading the table, Khune, who played in his first league Derby against Pirates in a 2-2 draw in November 2007 almost nine years ago, believes these factors have the makings for an epic clash.

“Pirates is doing well and with us on top of the table makes the game more exciting,” the goalkeeper continues. “It is what the fans want to see, two teams on top of their game going head-to-head. Everyone wants to witness who’s going to triumph. The thing of the Derby is its unpredictability, form goes out of the window and we never know which way it will go.”

On his own preparations for the game, Khune says: ”Mentally, physically and emotionally one needs to be well prepared for a game of this magnitude. I strongly believe that we are one as a collective. Nobody wants to miss the Derby and everyone wants to take part to cherish these memories. For an individual to be part of such a great occasion is an honour.”

The goalkeeper, who has kept four clean-sheets in his 15 Absa Premiership games against the Buccaneers, will try to make it five.

“I will push hard for another clean-sheet against Pirates,” Khune promises, “it won’t be easy, but I will give it my all.”