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Motaung reveals Khune talks

Johannesburg - Kaizer Chiefs football manager Bobby Motaung remains optimistic that captain Itumeleng Khune will sign a new contract before the end of the week.

Read: Nedbank Cup dates confirmed

The talented goalkeeper's current contract expires in June and with big-spenders Mamelodi Sundowns having made their intentions clear of securing the services of the 27-year-old, Motaung said it was important to finalise the deal as quickly as possible.

"The discussions are going well and Khune and his representatives are aware of our intentions," Motaung said on Monday.

"We value Khune a lot and it is important that both parties are on the same page. We should in the next few days be reaching an agreement and really there is no pressure because he knows where we stand as Chiefs."

Vowing not to break the bank in order to keep a player who has been at Chiefs for several years, Motaung said there was a policy at Chiefs when it came to negotiating contracts with players.

"We are a professionally run club and structures are what makes Chiefs tick.

"Our players are aware of our policies and Khune, who has been nothing less but a loyal servant, is aware how much Chiefs management value him.

"His brand is up there with the best and we look forward to having him at this club for years to come."

The fact that Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter has included Khune in his 25-man CAF Champions League squad is an indication that Khune's future is at Amakhosi, Motaung claimed.

Having returned to action after months on the sidelines due to injury, something that cost him a place at the Africa Cup of Nations with Bafana Bafana, Motaung was a happy man.

Chiefs currently top the Premiership standings and having gone 18 league matches without tasting defeat, Motaung said Khune's presence and impact would be key going forward.

"He will bring so much as we look to the second round which will not be easy.

"We have put ourselves in a good position and having Khune at the moment where we need him the most, this will motivate other players."

With Brilliant Khuzwayo having been good between the sticks for Chiefs, it remains to be seen who will take the number one position when the log-leaders resume their season.

"It is important to continue where we left off after five weeks of inaction.

"We also have the [Champions League] and Nedbank Cup to consider so we are excited about what lies ahead."

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