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| Itu Khune has won widespread praise for his top class performance against Brazil. (Picture: Backpagepix) |
Following Amaglug-glug’s brave 0-0 draw against hosts Brazil in Thursday’s Rio Olympic Games Group A clash, Itumeleng Khune has won widespread praise for his top class performance in shutting out the host’s talented U23 side.
The Kaizer Chiefs number one was inspirational as he produced a number of superb saves to help Owen Da Gama’s men keep a hard-earned clean sheet.
Brazil superstar Neymar tested Khune on a number of occasions, but the shot-stopper had an answer for every question asked of him.
The South Africa U23 side faced something of an onslaught in the final 30 minutes after the sending off of Mothobi Mvala reduced Amaglug-glug to 10 men.
Nonetheless, the side’s brave defence were able to hang on, with Khune often key in the face of relentless Brazilian pressure.
The Ventersdorp-born native bore the brunt of plenty of criticism prior to the tournament as some local fans felt the young Jody February deserved to start.
The Ajax Cape Town keeper played an influential role in helping Amaglug-glug qualifyand it was argued that he deserved to play in order to gain valuable experience at a major tournament.
However, Khune answered his critics with a match-winning display as the U23s recorded a valuable point.
The Amakhosi star took to his official Twitter account after the game to reveal what playing for his country means to him.
He said, “Don’t play for what your jersey says on the back, play for what it says on the front.”
Amaglug-glug’s next assignment is against Denmark on Monday, 8 August. The Danes played out to a 0-0 draw in the other Group A clash against Iraq.