JOHANNESBURG – Kaizer Chiefs captain Itumeleng Khune said on Thursday the recent changes in the club’s goalkeeping department have brought back fond memories of his retired mentor Rainer Dinkelacker.
Amakhosi last week announced the arrival of Lee Baxter – son of Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter – as the new goalkeeper coach, finally replacing Alexander Revoredo, who died in September last year following a short illness.
“We still talk about coach Rainer a lot as goalkeepers because he did so much for many of us,” Khune reflected.
“I know coach Lee worked at SuperSport United under coach Baxter. And I have spoken to Ronwen (Williams) and Reyaad Pieterse (both SuperSport goalies) about him and they told me a lot.
“When he was roped into the team, I wasn’t surprised – he has all the qualifications. He is a great motivator, hard worker and he always wants his goalkeepers to do well. We are happy he is part of the family, and he will help the department to achieve the impossible.”
Rainer retired in April 2016 and returned home to Germany, citing family reasons.
“I think everyone has different qualities,” Khune said, refusing to compare Dinkelacker’s successors, among them former Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns skipper Brian Baloyi, who still remains part of the technical team, but in a role below Baxter.
“Everyone has different philosophies. Rainer also retired because he had a knee surgery. It was a sad loss for the team, and for us as goalkeepers.
“But I am glad that he has planted a seed where everyone still talks about him. He did a great job in SA. I wish young goalkeeper coaches can contact him and learn a lot from him.”
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IOL Sport