Chronicle Editor
Gerald Sibanda
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BULAWAYO Chiefs goalkeeper Khulekani Dube played a huge role in the team’s recent good form.
The team has lost once in their last games.
Dube, 23, who previously played for Talen Vision in the Zifa Southern Region Division One League, takes credit for Bulawayo Chiefs’ recent good run as the last man in defence.
He was signed to the club by Lizwe Sweswe, who was also his coach at Talen Vision as backup to first goalkeeper Issah Ali who took over from Matriples Muleya.
When he got his opportunity, Dube never looked back.
He made his topflight debut for the club against Dynamos at the National Sports Stadium in a match where all odds were against them as they had not won a single game and they edged the Harare giants 3- 2.
He came in to replace Issah Ali who had been given a red card the previous game and was suspended.
Dube has since then played an integrals role in the team’s revival keeping two clean sheets.
He kept clean sheets against Sheasham and away to Hwange.
“Against Dynamos it was very difficult because it was my first game and I can say that I was a bit nervous especially considering that Dynamos were playing very well after having signed many talented players,” said Dube.
He said after the Dynamos baptism, he was now very confident in goals.
“Since that match Iam now settled and gotten used to how I should handle different situations within matches.
I can confidently say that I am now able to play against any team in the league,” said Dube
He came into the team while they were 17th on the log with only two draws and four defeats.
Dube was however quick to attribute the team’s good performance to all the players.
“I can’t say that I played the biggest role, we have a good coach and we knew that with time, he would get it right and also we have a squad which is gelling together well after many players left the team at the end of last season.
It was always going to take time for us to be able to eventually get positive results,” he said.
Dube also said the strikers have been scoring important goals and the defenders have been working hard to keep the back door shut and not forgetting the important role played by the midfielders and this shows that it has been a team effort and not a one-man performance.
The goalkeeper before signing for Chiefs, played for Chicken Inn, Highlanders juniors and Talen Vision, where he had his best season keeping 17 clean sheets competing with Hwange goal minder Nedrick Madeya, who is also playing Premier league football.
Bulawayo Chiefs will play Greenfuel Football Club at home once the league resumes and Dube will hope to continue with his fine run.
Online Reporter