Kaizer Chiefs' unlikely push for the South African league title has received a boost with the news that goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune is back in training.
The experienced gloveman is working towards being fit for Sunday's Premiership clash against Lamontville Golden Arrows -- a must-win game if Chiefs are to have any chance of lifting the league title this campaign.
Khune, the most capped goalkeeper in South Africa's history, has missed the last two games for Chiefs where results likely ended their title charge.
A 3-2 loss to Cape Town City was followed by a 2-2 draw with SuperSport United as rookie keeper Bruce Bvuma faced a baptism of fire in his top-flight bow.
The 21-year-old was between the sticks because second-choice Brilliant Khuzwayo is also out with a hand injury, and it was obvious he lacked the confidence to command his area, something Khune is so good at.
Khune has not conceded five goals in two successive Chiefs matches since 2008.
AmaKhosi coach Steve Komphela was quick to lavish praise on young Bvuma, but will privately be relieved to have one of his senior statesmen back.
Chiefs trail league leaders BidVest Wits by eight points. They have four matches remaining this season and will have to win all as a bare minimum to keep their title hopes alive.
They do face Wits on the final day of the season at home, and also have winnable matches away against Polokwane City and Platinum Stars.
Chiefs face going through a second season in succession without a trophy for just the second time in the club's 47-year history, having also failed to claim silverware in 1995 and 1996.