×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Khune licking his lips at the prospect of unleashing speedy Tau and Manyama

Itumeleng Khune is licking his lips at the prospect of utilising his renowned distribution skills to release new players with pace and mobility such as Percy Tau and Lebogang Manyama when Bafana Bafana meet Guinea-Bissau on Saturday.

South Africa caretaker-coach Owen da Gama has named an exciting squad brimming with often inconceivably overlooked young talent for the friendly internationals against Guinea-Bissau at Moses Mabhida Stadium and Angola in East London on Tuesday.

In an especially in-form frontline‚ the class of Keagan Dolly and Thulani Serero has the potential to be added to by Manyama‚ Tau‚ Kermit Erasmus and Thabo Mnyamane.

Khune was asked if he expects a change in style of play with such a quick‚ short frontline‚ as opposed to a big central target-man‚ as had been the favourite tactic of ex-coach Shakes Mashaba.

The Bafana captain said he still expects his distribution skills‚ among the best in the world for a goalkeeper‚ to still play a key role‚ or perhaps even more so.

“As a professional player you have to study your opponents. And I do that in the PSL‚ ” Khune said.

“I’ve seen all the new players’ strengths. And we’ve spoken about it on the first day of camp.

“Even Kermit yesterday [in Wednesday’s 1-0 practice match win against Lamontville Golden Arrows] made a great run where unfortunately he could not get the ball to where he wanted it to go.

“But my intention was just to play the ball behind the defence. I’ve played with Kermit before‚ I’ve played with Manyama before‚ and it’s my first time playing with Percy.

“But I’ve studied him a lot playing for Sundowns. He's a very pacey player‚ but he's not the kind of player who you can play the ball to his feet.

“With the counter-attacks we can always play the ball behind the defence.

“So I’ve studied all the players‚ and we have a great understanding.

“In the training session on Tuesday we played a small-sided game‚ and in that small space I was able to find them.

“And with the way I found options and distributed the ball to them we found goals.”

Khune believes the squad named by Da Gama might be one of the most exciting the 2010 World Cup veteran has been called up to.

“I’ve been part of exciting squads before. With some past squads we’ve had our own citizens complaining about the selections‚” the Kaizer Chiefs keeper said.

“But when this one was announced‚ everyone was positive and happy about it.

“Even me‚ it gave me goosebumps to be a part of this squad that everybody believes in.

“And yes‚ it is exciting. We have great‚ young players who are on form currently.”

Guinea-Bissau‚ surprise qualifiers for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations‚ are ranked 80th in the world and Angola 147th. Bafana are currently 62nd. - TMG Digital/TMG Sport

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.