Cape Town - Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp has confirmed that club captain and goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune will miss the rest of the season with a shoulder injury.

The 31-year-old missed Saturday's defeat against Sundowns at FNB Stadium after being diagnosed with a shoulder injury earlier in the week.

And, after visiting a specialist to assess the injury, Khune is now facing a lengthy spell on the side-lines.

When asked for comment on Khune's absence on Saturday, Middendorp told reporters: "I can answer quite quickly, the season is finished for Itu [Itumeleng] Khune.

"That's the answer, he'll only be back in the new season."

Khune has featured 17 times in all competitions this season, keeping seven clean sheets in the process.

Virgil Vries deputised in the absence of Khune on Saturday and had an afternoon to forget as his error allowed Sundowns to snatch a 2-1 victory.

Chiefs also have Bruce Bvuma at their disposal, although the 23-year-old has made just one appearance this season.

Meanwhile, the shot stopper will also miss Bafana Bafana’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying clash against Libya on Saturday, March 23.

South Africa only need a point to secure qualification for the tournament scheduled for June and July.