Kaizer Chiefs legend Khune back from suspension in timely return ahead of Soweto derby

Kaizer Chiefs' most experienced player, Itumeleng Khune, will be available for selection for Saturday's derby against arch-rivals Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium. 

The club announced on Wednesday that Khune had rejoined the team after a three-month suspension for allegedly arriving to training under the influence.

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Amakhosi had stripped Khune of the captaincy and ordered him to attend programmes "designed to support his personal growth and development, with the support from the club". 

This was a massive statement by the club as they came down hard on their longest-serving player, who joined the Chiefs family as a junior in 1999 and graduated to the first team in 2004. 

"Khune was suspended early in December to afford him an opportunity to complete a corrective programme designed for him to meet set expectations for a professional athlete," Chiefs said in a statement. 

"Upon completion of the programme, a report from an independent body of professionals was received and shared with the technical team to demonstrate that he had done all that was required.

"During his three-month absence, Khune says he fully participated in the programmes set out for him and believes they assisted with his personal growth and development as a professional athlete, as well as an individual. He looks forward to working hard at training and sharing his knowledge with his team-mates."

Khune Returns From Suspensionhttps://t.co/ektYRGBARu#Amakhosi4Life pic.twitter.com/WNkn6YNo6S

During his suspension, Khune took part in the Carling Knockout match between the reigning champions, Stellenbosch FC, and a Carling All Star Team made out of players from the other 15