Speaking to kaizerchiefs.com on Tuesday afternoon, “Spider Kid” as Itumeleng is affectionately known, expressed his desire to fight for the Club’s no. 1 jersey.

How have you been?

It has been very tough to sit on the sidelines while my teammates have been doing business on the field. I have resumed full training with the goalkeepers and now I am supporting Arthur (Bartman) while waiting patiently for my chance. I am going to fight all the way to claim back the no. 1 jersey at Chiefs then I can start thinking about the national team.

This was not the first time that you had a major injury…

Yeah, I injured my jaw a while back but then I was not a regular at the Club. This time around I was playing regularly not only for the Club but for Bafana Bafana as well. The news that I will be out for three months were just too much to bear but I am positive about this and now that I have fully recovered I can’t wait to be back in the team.

What kept you motivated during the injury lay off?

The supporters have been very good… “Get well”, “Bounce back Khune” and this has been encouraging. I cannot forget the role that has been played by the Club’s Medical Staff, Technical Team, my teammates and everyone at the Village has been very supportive. I love Gospel music so even on Monday I bought Deborah’s cd…that one keeps me going!

What have you missed most about playing?

(He keeps quiet for a while – as tears start to show on his eyes) I have missed everything…it is painful, don’t want to lie. I was hoping that I would have bounced back by the time we played Orlando Pirates at Orlando Stadium. I remember taking my place in the stands long before the guys went out for warm ups. I miss that…coming out greet supporters while warming up as goalkeepers. The guys are always cheering us on and it is something that I appreciate as a player. I always think of doing the best for them every time I don the Kaizer Chiefs jersey. I cannot wait to be back and add value to the team.

Did it cross your mind that you might take even longer to play after the injury?

I kept on thinking what if I am unable to recover? Those questions kept on coming to my head. I am glad all this is over and I am hoping to put it all behind me and start playing.

What are your impressions on the team’s performance during the first stanza of the season?

It has been tough but if you look at the Absa Premiership table you will see that there is not a big gap between SuperSport United and us. We also have a chance to close the gap even further when we play them later on this month. People should not be quick to write us off.

There will be a lot of expectations when you come back…

I am still a youngster, hence my nickname “Spider-Kid”…I wish to stay young forever so that I can remain hungry and be the same Khune I was when I played in the Development. Yes, a lot is expected of me these days but for me the most important thing is to continue working hard and remain professional about my job. I always want to put smiles on fans every time I enter the field…the fans deserve only the best!

What did you have to say to Thela Ngobeni when he arrived back from the U-20 tournament in Egypt?

I was very proud of him and it was unfortunate that people criticized him after he conceded four goals Honderus. In my opinion he did very well in that game and football is a team sport. He called me before and after that game. He is now back and has been working hard at training hence he has been a support to Arthur Bartman…I am very happy for him.

So now, where to from here?

More training…come back to the team, play well and then I can start about thinking Bafana Bafana. I tried to call Moeneeb Joseph’s yesterday wishing the guys all the best against Jamaica and Japan. For us at Chiefs we are preparing for the Santos game and the eight other games before the Christmas break.