Khune shines as Warriors set up showdown with Coastal

ITUMELENG Khune was in inspirational form as he helped Warriors FC to a 2-1 win over Amabutho FC at Moses Mabhida Stadium yesterday to set up a final showdown with Coastal United FC next week.

Warriors coach Dylan Kerr lauded his shot-stopper for his impact.

“Khune was fantastic today, all the credit goes to him. He hasn’t played football for a very long time but he is a class goalkeeper and was the difference today.”

Kerr also praised the youngsters that featured.

“I saw a lot of character from the young players today, I also saw a lot from the smallest players as well. These boys can play and you can only appreciate tournaments like these for giving these players a chance.”

Kaizer Chiefs-bound midfielder Siyabonga Sithebe gifted Warriors FC the opener in the 49th minute.

The AmaZulu man recovered the ball in a packed penalty area and was put under pressure in his own box by Fortune Makaringe. With nowhere to go, he stabbed the ball past an on-rushing Veli Mothwa and gave Kerr’s men the lead.

Amabutho equalised in the 69th minute through Golden Arrows defender Nkosinathi Sibisi. He tapped in after Khune had done well to deny Leletu Skelem from point blank range off a free kick.

Monnapule Saleng scored a goal worthy of winning any game, firing past Mothwa in the 86th minute.

Mduduzi Tshabalala found Saleng with a pin-point cross. The Swallows

striker struck a low shot into the bottom corner.

A star-studded Warriors FC side lined up against an Amabutho FC outfit that might have felt more at home at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in the second semi-final of the DStv Compact Cup.

AmaZulu FC captain, Makhehleni Makhaula, led his side out against a Warriors team that featured veteran goal-minder, Khune and serious firepower

with Keagan Dolly of Kaizer Chiefs leading the line alongside on form Orlando Pirates' Kwame Peprah.

Pule Mmodi had the two better chances of the first half, the best coming in the 29th minute as Khune showed his class to deny him the opening goal. The Golden Arrows speedster whizzed his way past Njabulo Ngcobo and attempted to sneak his shot in at the near post but Khune was alert.