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Itumeleng Khune accepts supporting role for Bafana Bafana

Khune has been one of the most consistent players in South Africa and has dominated the number-one spot for both Kaizer Chiefs and the national team for 11 years.

However, in the last two seasons the 33-year-old has been struggling with injuries that have resulted in him losing his 'guaranteed' status in the Amakhosi team.

'Spiderkid' has been called up to Bafana for the AFCON qualifiers against Sao Tome and Principe, a decision that has divided the nation, but remains positive.

"It'sa been while since I've been represented my country, it was due to major injuries, but at least I've managed to get back," Khune told the media in Durban.

"Thank you very much to our medical team for making sure I get back to my feet and start competing again. I don't have any niggling injuries right now.

"At the moment I'm looking forward to competing in the team for number one at club level and the national team. I think that's why I was rewarded with the call-up by Coach Ntseki, he believes I can add value to the team."

Scroll right to see Junior Khanye's preferred Sout
Scroll right to see Junior Khanye's preferred South Africa starting XI (4-2-3-1)
GK - Itumeleng Khune - Ronwen Williams is my numbe
GK - Itumeleng Khune - Ronwen Williams is my number two but Khune, I would start with him.
RB - Thapelo Morena
RB - Thapelo Morena
LB - Innocent Maela - On the left it will be Maela
LB - Innocent Maela - On the left it will be Maela but he must be controllable. He needs to be tactically disciplined, that's all.
CB - Thulani Hlatshwayo
CB - Thulani Hlatshwayo
CB - Motjeka Modisha - I will put Madisha as a cen
CB - Motjeka Modisha - I will put Madisha as a centre-back together with Tyson.
CM - Kamohelo Mokotjo
CM - Kamohelo Mokotjo
CM - Bongani Zungu
CM - Bongani Zungu
AM - Keagan Dolly - Eish, his shape is not grand.
AM - Keagan Dolly - Eish, his shape is not grand. But because of the experience... he is one of the best players for me.
RW - Percy Tau
RW - Percy Tau
LW - Luther Singh
LW - Luther Singh
ST - Kermit Erasmus
ST - Kermit Erasmus

Dominating for more than a decade and then finding yourself being second-best can make any player bitter, but Khune says his experience has taught him to be a team player.

"So far it's been great since I came in. Myself, Ronwen [Williams] and [Darren] Keet have been pushing each other and thanks to [goalkeeper coach] Lee Baxter for always keeping us on our toes," he added.

"I'm taking it in a positive way. At the end of the day one has to play, one on the bench, and the other has to be at home and hope you will get back to the team.

"Whoever plays ahead of me knows that he always has my full support. So we respect the coach's decision and we have to support it."

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