Itumeleng Khune backs Kaizer Chiefs to clinch CAF Confed Cup KO spot

Chiefs settled in Ismailia, Egypt, yesterday and held their first training session ahead of their all-important final Group D fixture against African giants Zamalek tomorrow. 

The Soweto giants lead the group with 10 points ahead of Zamalek, on 8 points, and Al Masry on 7 points, and need only a draw at Suez Canal Authority Stadium, but Khune believes even a win is possible. 

"The boys have done very well so far by leading the group, and everything is in their hands – they have to go away to Zamalek and make sure they win the game convincingly so they can qualify for the Last 16," said Khune.

"They have done so well for themselves and they know that they have our backing, we will continue supporting them so that they go all the way to the final and lift the cup."

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Current captain and number one goalkeeper Brandon Petersen has earned plaudits for his displays between the goalposts this season and, with 15 clean sheets in 25 appearances across all competitions, Khune praises the improvement. 

"Ja, no, it's very pleasing to see that the team have improved under Coach [Cedric] Kaze and [Khalil] Ben Youssef, and I'm happy to see Brandon Petersen keeping more clean sheets," the former Bafana stopper added.

"Obviously it wouldn't be possible if it wasn't for his defence, so I'm happy to see such an improvement in the team."

The 38-year-old, who was the last goalkeeper to captain Chiefs prior to Petersen being given the full responsibility of the armband this season, says his successor has shown his quality. 

"Being a leader of the team comes with a huge responsibility, and I'm happy that Brandon Petersen has taken his game to a whole different level.

"And he's been carrying the team and the players, and it shows with his performances, so I'm proud of him and I should say he must keep up the good work," he concluded.