Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune is not going to let war ravaged Sierra Leone spoil his new found confidence and promotion to the country's new number one keeper.

Khune, who turns 21 next Friday, has been installed as new coach Joel Santana's first choice keeper ahead of more experienced Rowen Fernandez and Moeneeb Josephs.

Khune, who enjoyed an outstanding season for Kaizer Chiefs, has taken over the mantle from German based Rowen Fernandez after his club form has seen his star in the national set-up rise.

He will earn only his fourth cap when he wears the number one jersey against the Leone Stars in Freetown in Saturday's 2010 African Nations Cup Group Four qualifier.

But he has the air and confidence of a veteran. He stated he was not in the least apprehensive about playing in a country and city that has recently suffered a bloody civil war.

Sierra Leone are on the road to recovery under a democracy, but will not be inn anybody's holiday plans for a long time.

Said Khune after Santana put his charges through a tough training session at the Pilditch Stadium before the squad jetted out of OR Tambo Airport on Wednesday night:

"I will focus what goes on in the field of play, not outside it. I have no interest about what is or is not happening in Freetown, apart from focusing on helping Bafana secure three more points. I will not allow myself to be distracted.

"My focus and concentration will be 100 percent in training and when we play against Sierra Leone on Saturday night."

Khune made his debut in a friendly international against Zimbabwe in March which Bafana won 2-1. He played a blinder in the 3-0 friendly win over Paraguay also in March.

He was set to play against Nigeria but was ill and missed out. Fernandez played in the 2-0 defeat by the Super Eagles in Abuja and was not at fault for either goal. In fact Fernandez literally saved Bafana from an embarrassing defeat.

But Khune returned to reclaim the number one jersey helping Bafana defeat Equatorial Guinea 4-1 to earn their first qualifying win at the Super Stadium last Saturday.

He looks up to team captain Aaron Mokoena who he said was a great leader on and off the field and was a source of inspiration for the younger players.

Mokoena hugged his young goalkeeper minutes before the kick-off against Equatorial Guinea. Said Khune: "Aaron was encouraging me as he always does. It was a fantastic gesture which I appreciate and helped me settle down quicker."

But Mokoena injured his shin in that 4-1 win and faces a late fitness test.

The other central defender who started against Equatorial Guinea, Bevan Fransman has been rule out after he was concussed during the first half of that match.

But he is comfortable that Fransman's replacement his Bongani Khumalo. Said Khune: "It is important for a keeper to have a good understanding with his defenders. I enjoyed playing with Aaron and Bevan but I have played with Bongani for the SA under-23 side and I like playing with him as I know what to expect from him."

The match kicks off at 6.30pm South African time.

Sapa