Kaizer Chiefs veteran goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune wants to be remembered as a serial winner and an icon that played a ‘huge role’ in South African football.
With his performances and accomplishments in Bafana Bafana colours and Chiefs over the last 15 years, many might argue that Khune is among the greatest SA sports figures.
Due to a series of injuries and below-par performances, the 34-year-old lost his number one jersey at Bafana and Chiefs. But Khune still has that burning desire to play.
The Chiefs goalkeeper still believes that he still has much to offer Amakhosi and hasn’t ruled out a return to the national set-up.
“The legacy that I want to leave when I retire is for people to remember that Khune was there and that he played a huge role,” he said.
“There’s no one who wants to be remembered as a failure. I want to be remembered as a major part of Kaizer Chiefs winning trophies and dominating South African football.
“I think I’ve played over 350 matches and kept over 150 clean sheets. I want to take every opportunity that comes my way. When I retire, I want to know that I’ve given my call,” added Khune.
Khune, who is arguably the best shot-stopper in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) era, has earned 91 international caps with 13 major trophies at Amakhosi, including three league titles and several individual accolades such as the PSL Footballer of the Year in 2013 before claiming the Sportsman of the Year at the SA Sports Awards.
The Ventersdorp-born star was also was Bafana’s first-choice goalkeeper at the 2009 Fifa Confederations Cup, the 2010 World Cup and featured at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).
Even though he has been relegated to the bench with only one appearance this season, Khune remains a fans’ favourite.
He is eager to emulate Italian legend Gianluigi Buffon, 46, who most recently penned a two-year contract extension with boyhood club Parma.
However, Khune understands that he can only match Buffon’s longevity if he stays injury-free.
“I’ve had quite a number of injuries in my career. The one that scared me the most was the shoulder injury that kept me out for nine months.
“That was the longest and most frustrating injury that I’ve had. I’m 100% better now and willing to go the extra mile for the club.”
