Former Kaizer Chiefs fan favourite Junior Khanye has hit out at coach Ernst Middendorp for selecting goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi ahead of Itumeleng Khune.
Akpeyi, who has kept his place in the side despite Khune being fit after long-term injury, was at fault for the first goal in the 2-1 defeat to Maritzburg United at the weekend.
Khanye has now hit out at Middendorp saying that Khune is still the best shot-stopper in the country and must reclaim his place as Amakhosi’s number one.
In quotes published on Kickoff, Khanye said: “Itumeleng Khune must go back to the starting line-up. There is no competition.
“I don’t know what the coach is trying to achieve. I don’t know what Middendorp was trying to do to put Khune on the stands.
“Khune has done a tremendous job for both Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana. Khune is the number one keeper for South Africa, I don’t care who says what.
“He remains the best keeper in South Africa and I don’t know why the coach wants to compare him to Akpeyi.
“I don’t know what he is trying to achieve or wants to show people he can win the league without Khune.
“Daniel Akpeyi is slow to dive, his reaction is slow. That goal on Saturday was supposed to stay in the goal line if he was not going to catch the ball. The guy doesn’t command.
“Khune is vocal and can marshal the defence. He can play the ball with his feet and distribute the ball well. I am not happy with the way Chiefs play. I love the club and I grew up there.
“Their defence is slow but the presence of Khune helps because he can communicate well at the back.”
Middendorp will now have a selection dilemma when he selects his side for the Nedbank Cup clash against Highlands Park on Saturday.