Itumeleng Khune says he is ready to fight for his place as Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana number one after suffering an injury that sidelined him for three months.

Arthur Bartman has made the position his own at Chiefs, Rowen Fernandez and Moeneeb Josephs have been fighting over the Bafana spot in his absence, but that will not be for long if Khune has his way.

He told the club's website: "The news that I will be out for three months were just too much to bear but I am positive about this and now that I have fully recovered I can't wait to be back in the team.

"It has been very tough to sit on the sidelines while my teammates have been doing business on the field. I have resumed full training with the goalkeepers and now I am supporting Arthur (Bartman) while waiting patiently for my chance. I am going to fight all the way to claim back the no. 1 jersey at Chiefs then I can start thinking about the national team."

The Ventersdorp-born goalkeeper watched the first leg of the Soweto derby against Orlando Pirates on the stands for the first time since he made his breakthrough for 'Amakhosi'.

He continued: "I have missed everything...it is painful, don't want to lie. I was hoping that I would have bounced back by the time we played Orlando Pirates at Orlando Stadium. I remember taking my place in the stands long before the guys went out for warm ups. I miss that...coming out greet supporters while warming up as goalkeepers.

"The guys are always cheering us on and it is something that I appreciate as a player. I always think of doing the best for them every time I don the Kaizer Chiefs jersey. I cannot wait to be back and add value to the team.

"I kept on thinking what if I am unable to recover? Those questions kept on coming to my head. I am glad all this is over and I am hoping to put it all behind me and start playing."

The 22-year-old has also admitted he is looking forward to returning into the national team fold but will have to work hard for that.

He stated from here on he needs "More training...come back to the team, play well and then I can start about thinking Bafana Bafana.

"I tried to call Moeneeb Joseph's yesterday wishing the guys all the best against Jamaica and Japan. For us at Chiefs we are preparing for the Santos game and the eight other games before the Christmas break.

"I am still a youngster, hence my nickname "Spider-Kid"...I wish to stay young forever so that I can remain hungry and be the same Khune I was when I played in the Development.

"Yes, a lot is expected of me these days but for me the most important thing is to continue working hard and remain professional about my job. I always want to put smiles on fans every time I enter the field...the fans deserve only the best!"