Kaizer Chiefs’ long-serving goalkeeper and fan favourite, Itumeleng Khune, finds himself in an unprecedented situation without a playing contract.
Chiefs jet out to Istanbul, Turkey, on Thursday evening [7:00 PM], but the legendary goalie was nowhere to be seen at the airport.
He is not part of the travelling contingent, which soon-to-be-announced head coach Nasreddine Nabi will assess. The Tunisian mentor is set to join the team in Istanbul over the weekend.
Khune was one of eight players whose contracts ended last month. Jasond Gonzalez, Sifiso Hlanti, Keagan Dolly, Siyethemba Sithebe and Njabulo Ngcobo were all let go. George Matlou and Edmilson Dove had their contracts extended by the PSL giants.
While decisions have been made regarding the futures of other players, Khune’s situation at the club is still unresolved. A source close to the former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper revealed that he had been informed that he won’t be part of the playing squad for the upcoming season.
In recognition of his contributions, Chiefs have offered Khune a non-playing role within the club. The veteran goalkeeper, at 37, is said to have been presented with several options for a potential career transition at Kaizer Chiefs, encompassing coaching, marketing, or an ambassadorial role.
“Itu remains determined to play and has communicated that to the club. However, it appears he’s not in the new technical team’s plans, and he’s also expressed a clear disinterest in coaching,” a source said.
NO PLAYING ROLE FOR ITUMELENG KHUNE
However, with the team set to embark on their preseason training in Turkey, Khune’s absence from the travelling party speaks volumes about his uncertain future.
This leaves Khune at a crossroads: either seek a new club to continue his playing career or accept the non-playing role offered by Chiefs. The latter would mark a significant shift for the veteran goalkeeper, who has been a mainstay between the posts for both club and country.
Khune’s predicament will likely spark a wave of emotions among Chiefs fans. While many acknowledge the need for change and the emergence of new talent, others feel that a player of Khune’s stature and loyalty deserves a more fitting farewell.
The coming weeks will be crucial for Khune’s future. His decision, whether to continue playing elsewhere or transition to a new role within Chiefs, will undoubtedly shape the next chapter of his illustrious career.
RELATED STORY: Should Khune retire or continue? Khuzwayo offers his opinion
