Former Kaizer Chiefs captain and goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune has spoken strongly about the team’s poor start to the season. Amakhosi have only three league wins so far and have already been knocked out of the MTN8 and the CAF Confederation Cup.

Speaking on SABC 1’s SoccerZone, Khune said the players must take more responsibility. “Players need to come to the party,” he said. “Even the players that we have, according to them. I played with some of them. We have quality; they just lack confidence.”

He pointed to a chance that went begging for young player Asanele Velebayi. Khune felt Velebayi rushed the moment instead of staying calm and putting the ball in the net. He said many of the players are finding themselves in new situations and need help handling the pressure that comes with wearing the Chiefs jersey.

Khune also spoke about the role of the senior players. He said they must guide the new signings and show them how things are done at the club. “The senior players need to make sure that they tell them that ‘here at Kaizer Chiefs, this is how we do things.’ They need to inspire confidence,” he explained.

The 34-year-old legend, who made 346 appearances for Chiefs over 17 years and won seven major trophies including three league titles, said the club cannot keep changing coaches. He believes the current players must shoulder their share of the blame for the results.

Chiefs sit fifth on the Betway Premiership table with 14 points from eight matches. They have three wins and five draws. The Glamour Boys now face TS Galaxy in the Carling Knockout Cup round of 16 at FNB Stadium on Tuesday night. Kick-off is at 19:00. A good performance and result would help ease the pressure on the team and coaching staff under Da Cruz.

Khune’s comments have added to the talk among fans who want to see the club return to winning ways. With quality in the squad, many believe better confidence and leadership from the senior players can turn the season around.

Source: https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2115005719338487811