Kaizer Chiefs have been facing a defensive challenge lately, with goals slipping past their backline more frequently than they’d like. This struggle has put added pressure on their goalkeepers, including Fiacre Ntwari, who is still establishing himself in the team. Observing these recent issues, veteran goalkeeper and Chiefs icon Itumeleng Khune, who has a wealth of experience from his years with Chiefs and the South African national team, shared some advice for the young Ntwari as he navigates this challenging period.
During an appearance at a Top Bet event, Khune addressed the issue directly, stressing the connection between training intensity and performance on the field. He said, “They say you play how you train,” underlining the idea that strong, focused practice sessions are the foundation for reliable match performance. This advice comes from Khune’s own extensive experience as a player who understands the weight of expectation and the pressure that comes with guarding the goal for a high-profile club.
Khune urged Ntwari not to dwell on the accomplishments of previous goalkeepers or let the legacy of those before him affect his own journey. Instead, Khune encouraged him to zero in on his own growth, focusing on getting better each day and strengthening his role within the team. “He just has to focus on his game and on improving himself and the team, and he will come right,” Khune said, expressing confidence that Ntwari has what it takes to rise to the occasion.
For Khune, this mindset is key to building resilience and confidence as a goalkeeper, particularly under the pressures of competitive football. He believes that if Ntwari commits to his training and remains determined to improve, he will naturally start to feel more comfortable and perform more consistently, ultimately helping to stabilize Kaizer Chiefs’ defense.
