Cavin Johnson says the experience of Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune will help the rest of the dressing room after his return from suspension.
Khune, 36, has returned to training at Naturena after his suspension in December. The former Amakhosi captain featured in 28 derbies himself, including the 1-0 defeat to Pirates in the first half of the season.
Caretaker coach Johnson believes that Khune’s return will have a positive effect on the rest of the squad ahead of Saturday’s 180th Soweto Derby.
“Yeah, Itu has come back and we are welcoming him back,” he said on Thursday.
“And for sure, I think he’s got a lot to do as far as putting the changeroom together at this particular moment, because of the derby, he’s got, I think maybe more than 20 under his belt.
“So he brings that little bit of extra energy, but he also brings that little bit of calmness, with his experience into the dressing room and to the players group to make sure that they mentally prepared.
“Because physically, we know the players should be ready. Tactically, we’re going to do the best we can. Technically, they don’t play for Kaiser Chiefs And not be technically good. So all those things taking into consideration, yes we are we are ready.
“But the biggest time is mentally for me. It’s a mental game. You probably haven’t played in front of 90,000 for a long time.
“It’s unlike when you play in the Bundesliga or Serie A where stadiums are always full. We don’t have that 90,000 often but 90,000 in gold in black or black and white together, it’s a different scenario.”
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