Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune has spoken for the first time since his suspension by the club for disciplinary transgressions.
Khune was addressing the media shortly after taking part in the Carling All-Stars team training session on Thursday morning at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
The veteran goalie made it into the All-Stars team after being voted by the fans to be in the starting line-up, and he looks set to feature against Stellenbosch FC in the Carling Cup.
This is despite Chiefs stating in a statement released on 22 December 2023 that Khune is not not eligible to be part of the Carling All-Stars team.
Interestingly, the club has since deleted the statement from its website, with PSL’s media relations manager Fhatuwani Mpfuni confirming that Chiefs have had a change of heart and gave Khune all the blessings to play in the All-Stars game.
As reported by FARPost, Khune was suspended by Amakhosi and his club’s captaincy was revoked as the ex-Bafana Bafana star pitched up at training in Naturena while under the influence of alcohol.
The Soweto giants took the decision “at the conclusion of rigorous disciplinary processes. And Khune has been “temporarily separated from the team until certain conditions have been fulfilled”.
Itumeleng Khune breaks his silence on his Chiefs’ suspension
“I’m doing great, I’m doing well,” said Khune. “I think everyone has seen that I’ve been keeping fit. I’ve been training very hard because as a 24-hour pro you can’t relax at any given time, you will never know where your destiny is.
“And when they opened the votes for the fans to start voting, and I saw my name there, I told myself that in whatever that I’m going through, it is a blessing in disguise, and I just had to stay ready for anything that is coming my way.
“I’m happy that I’ve managed to carry that through over the years that I will have that never-say-die spirit, and nothing will discourage me. But I’m happy that I’ve been keeping fit, and I’m happy to be here.”
The much-anticipated encounter between All-Stars and the Carling Knockout Cup champions, Stellenbosch FC, is set to be staged in Limpoop at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday, 06 January 2024.
The All-Stars side, with a mixture of the current crop of PSL players and upcoming talented youngsters, will be coached by Orlando Pirates tactician Jose Riveiro.
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