Itumeleng Khune is well aware of the fact that he is the go-to guy at Naturena for players who join the team or need encouragement, but the Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper also relies on individuals who are in the captain's committee.
Amakhosi have been going through a difficult period and senior players have an even bigger role to play to ensure. Whenever Khune is not on the pitch, the likes of Keagan Dolly and Zitha Kwinika have worn the armband, but experienced campaigners such as Mulomowandau Mathoho and Sifiso Hlanti feature in the captain's committee.
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As they head into the Soweto Derby this weekend, Khune understands he has a big role to play to encourage his teammates, but expects the likes of Mathoho and Hlanti to help carry the load.
"As a captain of the club, I have a huge responsibility on my shoulder, but at least I have a good supporting structure, which is the captain's committee. We've got players who have played in the derby before, (Mulomowandau) Mathoho especially. He helps me a lot. I cannot make any decisions without engaging with the committee," Khune said during a press conference ahead of this weekend's derby.
"It's very important that Mathoho and all the other players, like Hlanti, Yusuf Maart, who is a former captain of his previous club. We sit down and we have our small little meetings with players before we have our meetings with coaches. We can just open up to another and it has shown in our recent results that we also have the responsibility of talking amongst ourselves. When we go to the coaches ad give them feedback, they are able to tell us because we have the team structure and club structure. It's important that they collaborate.
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"For us as players, we have our meetings on the side and we encourage the young ones because as a senior member who has been at the club forever, the guys who come to the club already know who to go to when they come and I know it's my responsibility to share the history of the club with them."
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