Khune and Mathoho could be back for Sundowns clash

Striker Bernard Parker is the only player that still needs to be passed fit as Kaizer Chiefs approach a tough welcome back from the holidays against log-leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

The club’s other injury concerns‚ Itumeleng Khune and Mulomowandau Mathoho‚ are back in contention to play.

Parker‚ 29‚ had to leave the pitch in Chiefs’ last game‚ a 2-1 win over Bidvest Wits in Cape Town‚ with a knee injury but has begun to train again‚ club officials said on Monday.

The possibility of his participation in the game against Sundowns at Soccer City on Saturday is not yet clear.

But Khune and Mathoho are both in contention in what is a major fillip for the club‚ seeking to cut back into the five-point advantage that Sundowns have over them.

The 28-year-old Khune has been out since the beginning of November with knee problems and was forced to miss the Telkom Knockout final that Chiefs lost 3-1 to Sundowns in Durban on December 16.

Mathoho‚ 25‚ also missed the final after hurting himself in training in an injury that Chiefs managed to keep a secret until the day of the final when they shocked by picking Morgan Gould and Lorenzo Gordinho as their central defenders for the final at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Mathoho hurt his ankle but has been back in full training for the last fortnight and is likely to be swiftly returned to the Amakhosi defence.

Chiefs host Sundowns on Saturday night (8.15pm kick off).