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Khune: Ready to return

Khune: Ready to return

Santos v Kaizer Chiefs

Santos will get a chance to prove their title credentials on Port Elizabeth's premier ground against Kaizer Chiefs on Friday night.

The Nelson Mandela Bay stadium, which hosted Bafana Bafana's clash against Japan, will be the perfect stage for the People's Team to prove they can halt SuperSport's push for a hat-trick of championships.

Boebie Solomons' men are currently third, three points adrift of Matsatsantsa and haven't suffered defeat since the 13th of September, a run striker Ryan Chapman is eager to extend.

"I think that Chiefs in the past have underestimated us, but with our recent results against them, they should be very cautious," he told the club's official website.

The last three fixtures between the sides have seen Santos pick up two victories and secure one draw. Solomons will be gunning for maximum points again and his quest will be boosted by the return of goalkeeper Tshepo Motsoeneng, who has recovered from a hand injury.

Amakhosi, meanwhile, welcome back the country's number one stopper Itumeleng Khune after a lengthy sideline spell. "The news that I will be out for three months was just too much to bear but I am positive about this and now that I have fully recovered I can't wait to be back in the team," he told the club's official website.

Forward Nkosinathi Nhleko is looking forward to returning to PE, where he opened his account for Amakhosi.

"I remember I was struggling with fitness ahead of the games against Bay United and SuperSport United (Premier's Cup) in Port Elizabeth," he said.

"The fans gave me a tough time early on in the game but all I wanted was to open my account for the club and I did.

"It was a wonderful goal as I took Bay United defenders with me from the halfway line to put the ball in the back of the net.

"It is good to be going back there."

Chiefs are desperate to build on their win against Free State Stars and are determined to be a part of the top-of-the-table reckoning. Vladimir Vermezovic is under pressure to start young striker Knowledge Musona ahead of his other attackers, as the 19-year-old has won over the Amakhosi faithful and fans alike with some brilliant showings.

Whether the Serbian gives in to popular opinion remains to be seen, but he needs to win the fans over after his very public outburst aimed at Abia Nale.

Posted: 19/11/09 13:54

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