Itumeleng Khune will not play any more football for Kaizer Chiefs this season

Kaizer Chiefs captain Itumeleng Khune has been ruled out for the remainder of the season.

Kaizer Chiefs have been dealt a huge blow with news that goalkeeper and captain Itumeleng Khune has been ruled out for the remainder of the season.

The 2018/19 season has come to a premature end for Khune, who suffered a dislocated shoulder in December, and was spotted in a brace in the presidential suite at FNB Stadium, where Chiefs lost 2-1 to Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday afternoon.

The Bafana Bafana stalwart saw a specialist this week and suggestions are that he will now require surgery, with Middendorp – upon being quizzed over the prognosis – confirming that Khune will only play again next season.

“The season is finished for Itumeleng Khune – that’s the answer. He’ll be back next season,” responded the German tactician.

This will come as a blow to Bafana’s 2019 AFCON qualifying campaign, which will see them face Libya in their decisive final clash of Group E, and puts his availability for the finals in doubt should Stuart Baxter’s men boom their tickets in March.

Things could still swing in Bafana’s favour, with CAF set to announce the new hosts of the continental finals on Thursday, after Cameroon were stripped of the hosting rights a few weeks ago.

Egypt and South Africa are favourites to host the showpiece. kickoff.com