The 21-year-old goalkeeper who made his Bafana Bafana debut against Paraguay in 2008 has been a regular in the national team under Joel Natalino Santana and his inclusion in the preliminary squad was a testimony to his potential.

“Growing up, it has always been my dream to play in a big tournament and I am over the moon that my name has been named among the 30 players that a final team for the Confed will be chosen,” he told kaizerchiefs.com.

“The Confederations Cup will be the first big tournament for most of the players in the squad as we did not take any part in the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Most of us though were in the last African Cup of Nations in Ghana but the Confed will be a huge challenge.”

Khune believes that teams like New Zealand and Iraq will cause a major surprise during the tournament to start on the 14 June 2009.

“People are talking about Spain but forget that teams like Iraq and New Zealand have also done very well to be part of this tournament. They, in my opinion will be dangerous. "

“We will need to be at our best in all the games,” said the starlet who won the Goalkeeper of the Season in his rookie season in the PSL."

This season has been very difficult for the young goalkeeper and has taken a lot of criticism for his performances for both Club and country.

The youngster though is not perturbed as in 26 starts this season in the league he managed to keep 13 clean sheets.

“I did put myself under unnecessary pressure this season but it was a good learning curve for me and my teammates. I do not think I did badly as people say though. You can ask any goalkeeper and he will tell you that keeping 13 clean sheets is an achievement on its own,” he says.

Abia Nale (standing next to Khune during the interview) who joined Chiefs early this year also believes that the second season always becomes difficult and has some words of consolation for his teammate.

“Things are always difficult in your second season but as you go to your third things return to normal. It was the same with me so you should not be worried,” said the player who has earned himself a nickname, “Moneymaker” for his performances since joining Chiefs.

“I am already excited about the 2009/10 season…the pressure will not be as huge as it was for me. First though will be the Confederations Cup. We have to do our country proud,”

Bafana Bafana will go to camp this coming Wednesday in preparations for what promises to be a grueling tournament from 14-28 June this year.