"It was a great feeling to be back in the mix," Khune expressed gratitude to his teammates, technical staff and the Amakhosi in its entirety.

"I received a warm welcome with open arms. It is always nice to be appreciated,"

Khune has spent the past three months recovering from an ankle injury, "People have been encouraging me to come back. Playing for Chiefs is no longer about playing football it's like giving back to the supporters."

"Brilliant Khuzwayo has been a marvel to watch together with Reyaad Pieterse, they are flying the flag," continues Khune.

"I will keep on pushing and wait for my turn by working hard,"

"Coming back to contest for a place in the team is a matter of showing my love for the badge. Playing or not, as long as I remain a positive energy in the team, I'm happy," says Khune.

Chiefs welcome Free State Stars on Tuesday here in Polokwane at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. Kick-off is at 18:00.

"We will continue working hard against Stars on Tuesday. We take it one game at a time,"

"We cannot afford to be carried away. We have to maintain the standard," Khune refers to Chiefs' unbeaten run in the league this season.

"For us it’s about focusing on the basics and following the instructions from the coach."

"We will not repeat the mistakes of last season against Stars," Khune remembers the last minute lapse of concentration to draw that game that dented their title aspirations.

"But that's in the past and water under the bridge. We have already amended that in the first round when we beat them in their own backyard," concludes Khune. "What's left is to revenge it here, where they caused us pain.

The tickets for the mouth-watering match are sold at Computicket and Shoprite/Checkers at R40.