Khune disappointed with himself despite heroics

Itumeleng Khune thwarts a goal attempt by Youssef El Arabi of Morocco. Picture: Khaya Ngwenya/City Press

Even after his heroic performance which helped Bafana Bafana qualify for the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 2002, goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune was still not happy with his performance.

Khune said he may have saved two clear-cut chances when he thwarted Morocco’s Aroussi El Ahmadi and Youssef El Arabi which would have put the game beyond Bafana’s reach, but he was critical of himself saying he could have done better on the night.

He was deservedly named man of the match.

“In my opinion I was not happy with my performance after conceding two goals. As a goalkeeper you always want to keep a clean sheet and this was not the case,” said Khune.

He, however, was pleased with the team’s determination and fighting spirit.

“We pressed panic buttons at times and players’ heads were down but they showed character and leadership in the end. The supporters kept us in the game and I am glad we made them happy.”

Although he was happy that defender Siyabonga Sangweni pushed forward to play as a make-shift striker, Khune said he was not aware the defender had moved forward.

“If I had seen him I was going to call him back because his primary role is to defend but it was a blessing in disguise that I did not see him and that helped him as he ended up saving our day. I think it was a good wise decision from him to push forward but he was lucky that I did not notice him at the time.”

Khune said it was back to the drawing board for the team as they prepare for their quarterfinal clash on Saturday evening against the Group B runners up, to be determined this evening.

He said he was happy that they kept their Durban base as this has been their happy-hunting ground.