KAIZER Chiefs head coach Stuart Baxter does not expect his captain and goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune to leave the club in the January transfer window. Rumours have been doing the rounds that Khune could be heading to arch-rivals Orlando Pirates or Mamelodi Sundowns. However, Baxter said the club’s Football Manager Bobby Motaung would be meeting with Khune this week to iron out a new deal: “To me these are just mischievous rumours. It’s kind of crazy but I can’t see Khune leaving Chiefs. He is a Chiefs player through and through.” Khune has recently returned to duty after suffering an ankle injury in September. He was replaced by Brilliant Khuzwayo, who has played so well that he was called up to the Bafana Bafana squad that left for Gabon yesterday to prepare for next week’s Africa Cup of Nations finals in neighbouring Equatorial Guinea. “I’m very happy with my goalkeeping department. I have no intention of losing any of my three first team keepers.” Meanwhile Amakhosi midfield star Simphiwe “Shabba” Tshabalala is set to sign a new two-year contract. Said Baxter: “I’m delighted that Shabba will sign a new deal. All that is required is to finalise a few loose ends.” Baxter, who got back to work this week after the festive season break, said he was looking forward to the second half of the season. Chiefs are unbeaten in 18 Absa Premiership matches and head the table with 46 points – 15 ahead of their nearest rivals, Sundowns and Bidvest Wits. Warned Baxter: “It’s only half-time. We can’t allow ourselves to get carried away as we’ve not won the league yet. But I’m sure every other club would love to be in our situation.” He said he was relishing the challenge: “It’s going to be interesting as we will be playing not just for the league but the Caf Champions League and Nedbank Cup, all next month
Posted on: Thu, 08 Jan 2015 12:36:04 +0000