If there were still doubts about his readiness to be South Africa’s number one goalkeeper, Itumeleng Khune answered his critics in the best possible way during Bafana Bafana’s month-long FIFA World Cup™ camp in Brazil and Germany with stupendous performances between the poles. He has been the most consistent player in the last three months in South Africa’s last line of defence – and even though he has had his fair share of unlucky moments, he has cemented his place and will undoubtedly be Parreira’s first choice. One of the most promising goalkeepers to emerge from South African football in the last five years, Khune came very close to being crowned PSL Footballer of the Season in his debut campaign, only to lose out to South Africa and Orlando Pirates' inspirational midfielder Teko Modise. It was therefore no surprise that he was handed his first international cap after only eight months in top-flight football.
Though still relatively short of experience at the highest level, the keeper, who is set to turn 23 during this summer's showpiece, would surely love to pit his wits against some of the world's finest strikers and further his claim to the Bafana Bafana No1 jersey. His performance during last year’s FIFA Confederations Cup won both hearts and praise. While injuries have kept him out of action this season, he remains one of South Africa’s biggest assets. He has played for Kaizer Chiefs since 2004 and was a member of the 2008 CAF Africa Cup of Nations squad. However, he did not make his international debut until later that year against Zimbabwe.
