It was an injury to Emille just over a month ago that opened up the way for Itumeleng Khune to earn his first start for the Amakhosi when they played out an exciting 1-1 draw with Jomo Cosmos in Durban on the 25th August, such was Khune’s performance during his debut game that since that match he has been equally impressive in Chiefs' following league games against Wits, SuperSport United and Ajax Cape Town.

Khune, in the four games that he has played for Chiefs, has only been beaten once in open play and while Khune goes from strength to strength, Baron, who recently returned from injury, is facing stiff competition from the National under 23 goalkeeper in his bid to regain the number-one spot.

Despite the fact that Baron has to battle Khune to get back between the sticks, the former Bafana Bafana shot stopper has had nothing but praise for Khune and his current displays in the goal for Chiefs.

Good job Itumeleng

Emille Baron was looking forward to the 2007 – 2008 season as he was expected to be a regular starter in the Chiefs line up, after he had missed out on the better part of the past two seasons through injury. An unexpected muscle strain he picked up in the latter part of August ensured that he would be frustrated by injury once more.

Baron’s absence opened up the door for Khune who Emille has described as an exciting and talented player, he said of Khune: “Itumeleng has for a long time waited for the opportunity to play in the first team and when it came he grabbed it with both hands and has never looked out of depth in goal. He is a young goalkeeper who is willing to work hard and take advice from his seniors and this has meant that he has been able to mature and grow and he is developing into a world class keeper.”

Much respect

While it is only natural for players to look over their shoulders and take a look at the competition bearing down on them, Emille says that Chiefs goalkeeper coach Rainer Dinkelacker has helped build such a strong friendship amongst the band of keepers at the club that no matter who the designated number one is at any time he has the support of the rest of the clubs keepers.

“Two seasons ago when I was up against Rowen Fernandez for the number spot, there was never any animosity between us. I always supported him and when I was playing he got behind me - we had an excellent friendship and working relationship. The same rings true at the moment - we all stand by each other.”

Breaking in

Khune’s current form, according to Emille, poses a major challenge for him as he aims to start playing regular football again, a task he knows will not be made any easier as Khune grows in confidence game on game.

“One has to admire how the boy has performed over these past couple of games, he has set the standard and has basically laid down the challenge to myself and Markus with the way he is playing,” added Baron.

Getting back into the starting eleven is now very much on Baron’s mind as he continued: “It is always a good thing when the guys you are up against for a place in the team are on form, as it helps you lift your own game and although I have to double my efforts to get back into the team again, I am willing to do what ever it takes to start playing once more.”