Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper coach Rainer Dinkelacker is confident that the extra work done with Amakhosi and Bafana Bafana number one Itumeleng Khune in the off season will pay off handsomely as the season progresses.

According to Dinkelacker the early indications are there to show that Khune has improved his all-round game particularly in the physical department, as he has had to hold his line against some very physical attackers in the early days of the new season.

“Firstly I must say we are prepared for this, everyone can see that Itumeleng has improved his physical strength” explained Dinckelacker of Khune’s ability to deal with being put under pressure.

He then went on to say, “last season he went down a lot of times when he was bumped into, so we did special work in the off season to ensure that he can hold his line, form a strong presence at the back and stay on his feet.”

Khune was substituted during Chiefs opening league game against Cosmos after clattering into an attacker and in the next game against Swallows he was knocked down by an opponents flayed elbow.

Dinkelacker does believe that Khune is dealing well with this “we saw in the Swallows match that he was hit in the head, he is strong and has learnt many lessons and he does not complain.

This is part of the game, you need to be able to be strong and I have told him that he needs to be the best in his technique and in the physical department as well.Itumeleng is the kind of player who is willing to listen and that is why he improves every game.”

Dinkelacker further expressed his satisfaction at the way Khune has performed this season, being beaten once in just over three games that he has played in the 2011 – 2012 campaign.

“I am happy so far with the way he has played and I always tell Itumeleng and the other keepers that when you keep a clean sheet it is a double win for your team.

The first priority is to win the game, and I also check to see if he is reading the game properly and if his anticipation is good I am satisfied with him and with Arthur Bartman also.

Arthur came in as a sub in the first game and although he is an older player he is always keen to learn more, we are fortunate this season that all our keepers are fit and we have a good strong group of keepers.”