Injured Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune said it had been agonising watching from the sidelines as Bafana Bafana played their crunch Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Khune was among the many football enthusiasts who flocked to Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton on Sunday night to watch SA beat Libya 2-1 and book themselves a spot in the continental showpiece.
Earlier in the year, the 31-year-old was ruled out of action for the remainder of the Absa Premiership season with a shoulder injury.
This also saw him miss out on Bafana’s battle for Africa Cup of Nations qualification.
Now, three months into his recovery, the goalie said it had not been an easy journey.
“It’s been a frustrating first three months because I am still faced with another three months, so, I am taking each day as it comes,” Khune said.
“We have a great medical team and I have been training hard.
“When you are used to being on the field playing and enjoying yourself but this time around you are not there, it is not great.
“Like right now Bafana are playing, for me it’s unusual not to be there,” he said, gesturing towards the big screen.
“So, it pains me a bit but, again, I am happy for the boys that have made the team and they will make the country proud.”
Khune has endured heavy criticism from Amakhosi fans because of his time out which, many say, has affected the team’s performance.
“Some have even said the goalkeeper is faking injury.”
When questioned about these claims, Khune jokingly replied: “Do they want to see the stitches?
“There is nothing I can do. “Why would the club allow me to fake it (the injury)?
“I went through the procedure of going to the hospital to do the tests.
“If anyone wants to be sure, they can ask the club for the medical results.”