Kaizer Chiefs keeper Itumeleng Khune admits he will have to work twice as hard to regain Bafana's No.1 jersey

Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper and captain Itumeleng Khune has welcomed competition from Darren Keet, who stole the limelight with a series of great saves against Libya on Sunday. 

Bafana Bafana beat Libya 2-1 to seal their qualification to the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals for the first time since 2015 with Keet stepping in to fill Khune's void.  

“It is always great to see all the departments competing – we are keeping each other on our toes,” Khune told the media.

With Khune out injured and set to return to action at the end of the season, coach Stuart Baxter faces a mammoth task ahead of the tournament which will be played between June and July this year. 

However, Keet may have really raised his hand to be included in the final squad to represent South Africa at the finals.

While Khune may not be fit enough for the tournament in Egypt, he revealed that the final decision rests with Baxter as to which goalkeepers will be in the team for the trip to the Afcon finals. 

Khune admitted that he would have to work twice as hard to regain the No.1 jersey, acknowledging that Keet did exceptionally well in his absence.   

"We will leave the final decision to the coach. I will get back on the field and I will have to work twice as hard to win my No.1 jersey back. But Darren Keet did extremely well. I wouldn’t be surprised if he keeps the jersey for the longest period of time," said Khune. 

The 31-year-old has been the country's No.1 since 2008, but he admitted that seeing other goalkeepers trying to take his place makes him hungrier to keep it. 

"I have been the No.1 for over 10 years in the national team, but right now, it shows the guys really want the jersey – I welcome competition with both hands,” said Khune.