There have been fresh developments on Kaizer Chiefs’ long-serving goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune’s future at the club.
Khune, a fan favourite, has been a mainstay for the Chiefs for over a decade. However, at the start of December, after a “rigorous disciplinary process,” the club took stern action and decided that Khune should be temporarily separated from the team until certain conditions had been fulfilled.
In keeping with their commitment to professionalism and team unity, Amakhosi launched an internal investigation after Khune arrived at training under the influence of alcohol.
Bruce Bvuma raised his hand in his absence, keeping seven clean sheets in the last seven matches, including Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Golden Arrows. Bvuma has also been rewarded with a new contract.
WHAT IS THE FRESH DEVELOPMENT ON ITUMELENG KHUNE’S FUTURE?
Just four months before his contract with the club expires, Khune is expected to rejoin the squad this week after serving a three-month suspension. After fulfilling Kaizer Chiefs’ disciplinary conditions, including rehab, the 36-year-old goalie will gradually reintegrate into the team.
During his absence, Khune was required to attend and actively participate in programmes designed to support his personal growth and development. The programmes aimed to help him address the challenges and issues he was facing while promoting a positive team culture.
The former Bafana Bafana star also trained on his own to stay fit. The club appears satisfied with the process and has given the green light to reintegrate him into the group.
Bvuma recently conceded that he learned a lot from the suspended veteran custodian.
“[Khune] is a legend of the club and a legend of South African football; this is one person that we all idolised growing up, especially with a lot of us goalkeepers,” Bvuma told journalists during a recent media open day.
“I have learned a lot from him, and with everything going on, he is someone I am very close to.
“We talk quite a lot, and he is happy with me playing and performing for the team. Do I miss him? Of course, I do.”
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