Kaizer Chiefs’ longest-serving player, Itumeleng Khune, has lauded the club’s initiative that mirrors his journey from Ventersdorp, North West, to Naturena.
Khune arrived at the DStv Premiership giants, Amakhosi as a 12-year-old and has enjoyed almost two decades of professional football.
The 36-year-old Amakhosi captain came through the ranks of the club’s academy. He has become one of the most successful players in the club’s history, winning three league titles and three Nedbank Cups.
On Wednesday, as Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) and Amakhosi collaborated to bring hope to Mzansi’s future generation of soccer stars, Khune couldn’t help but reminisce on his journey.
With TSAM sponsoring the Kaizer Chiefs sleeve, the initiative aims to reach out to the community and turn the sleeve sponsorship into a more literal takeout of wearing one’s heart on their sleeve.
In partnership with Kaizer Chiefs, the Toyota Hearts on Sleeve initiative saw the club invite young players from Alexander’s Royal Tigers.
But for Khune, it was more than just a CSI event, as it took him down memory lane.
CHIEFS AND TOYOTA’S INITIATIVE REMINDS KHUNE OF HIS STORY BEFORE SUCCESS
“A great initiative by Kaizer Chiefs and the partner Toyota,” said the man nicknamed ‘Itu’. “We’re commemorating this day with a team from Alex.
“It’s great that the club managed to organise this day for the kids. Some of them were crying about coming to meet their heroes.
“We all started there; we know what it feels like. I’ve shared my story before that Brian Baloyi once gave me a pair of his gloves.
“I was wearing them the whole way to Ventersdorp in a train. When I got home and slept, I used those gloves as a pillow.
“I know what it means, so I said I’ll donate a special pair of gloves with my name on them to the academy.”
The former Bafana Bafana number one wished the teenagers luck as they pursued their careers.
‘ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE’
“I wish they take their careers seriously, show what they are capable of, and show their talent.
“You never know. A lot of them could be signed by Chiefs. Many of us were there, but now we’re with the Kaizer Chiefs senior team.
“Anything is possible only if you believe. They love football; you can see how passionate they are. We wish them the best and hope to see them follow their dreams.”
Royal Tigers has a holistic approach to development and takes boys and girls off the streets and away from the many social issues that plague the community. The club was founded by Thembinkosi “Tiger” Matholengwe, who had a dream to create a brand with a visionary outlook on life.
At the Chiefs Village, the youngsters went through their paces under the watchful eyes of the club’s players and coaching staff.
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