Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper and Captain, Itumeleng Khune is optimistic about the season that lies ahead. Khune, together with the other National Team players joined their teammates at camp for preseason preparations after they were afforded extra days of the offseason. Khune and his compatriots were involved in National duty during the offseason. The 2012-13 PSL and Kaizer Chiefs Footballer of the Season remains upbeat ahead of the upcoming 2013-14 season.

Khune returned from the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers journey in Cameroon and Ethiopia disappointed but not discouraged after Bafana Bafana beat Central African Republic and lost to Ethiopia resulting in the qualification to Brazil hanging in the balance.

“I enjoyed a bit of a rest during the offseason. Upon returning from Ethiopia, I went on to enjoy my birthday (20 June) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I was with my ‘one and only’ in Rio. We didn’t attend the Brazil FIFA Confederations Cup as I needed a rest after the long football season with both Club and National Team commitments. We visited the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio and spent most of the time touring the City and relaxing.

Unfortunately when we returned, I had to dash home to bury one of my cousins (May his soul RIP) and had to attend to other business matters. Most importantly for me during this past off-season period has been the Thanks Giving Ceremony I hosted at home with family and my community of Ventersdorp. The ceremony was held in respect of the achievements of the past season. I am glad to be able to thank my family and the community for that is where it all started for me.

Here at camp, so far so good. We are working hard and everybody is determined to contribute to the success of the team. The spirit is high, it is clear that everybody is aware that we are heading for a challenging season. For me, it is a matter of defending individual and Club honours, while at the same time keeping my feet on the ground.

With the kind of players we have in the Team, we are one big family and I am optimistic we will face the challenges that lie ahead.”