A former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper has cautioned the club against offering Itumeleng Khune an off-field role, citing reasons for his belief that this is not the best course of action.
Khune, who is Chiefs’ longest-serving player and a renowned Bafana Bafana legend, has seen his playing time dwindle in recent seasons. This is due to a combination of factors, including injuries, below-par performances, and disciplinary issues off the field.
Last year, Amakhosi announced that the 2023/24 PSL season would be Khune’s last playing contract before he transitions into coaching and takes on an ambassadorial role with the marketing department.
During the previous campaign, Khune played an emotional and celebratory game against Polokwane City FC at FNB Stadium, where the club, teammates, and supporters thanked him for his contributions as one of their “most decorated players”.
Despite his contract expiring in June 2024, Khune expressed his desire to continue playing football instead of taking up an office job at Naturena. However, he was not part of the Soweto giants squad that travelled to Turkey for pre-season training under the club’s new technical staff led by Nasreddine Nabi.
As Chiefs continue to prepare for the 2024/25 season, Khune has been absent from the club’s training ground in Naturena.
TOO EARLY FOR ITU KHUNE’S OFF-FIELD MOVE
The relationship between Khune and the club has been shaky as the former Bafana Number 1 goalie was suspended in December after he arrived for training under the influence of alcohol.
He later returned to the Amakhosi squad in March 2024. Currently, Chiefs’s offer for a non-playing role still stands, and while he is still considering it, former Chiefs goalkeeper William Shongwe believes that Khune still has plenty to offer on the pitch.
Shongwe, also known as ‘The Cool Cat,’ stated that Khune’s experience and leadership qualities would be invaluable to any club.
“If they don’t extend, without a doubt, Khune should leave Chiefs as he made it clear that he still wants to play,” Shongwe told FARPost. “I’m sure he has mixed feelings, but there are still teams where he can help out in the Premiership.
“Many teams in the Premiership have goalkeepers that are not up to the standards [of the PSL], and in Khune, you don’t just have a goalie. You have a leader; you buy several things in one. He’s got charisma and leadership skills, and he still has the ability [to play]. Khune can also keep the spirit of a team high and the mentality of the players.
“… I believe it is too early to prepare him for a role on the sidelines. Goalkeepers can play for a long time; I mean, Andre Arendse retired at over 40, and Denis Onyango is around 38 now. But it is a question of whether he [Khune] wants to put in the work or he expects his reputation to carry him.
“I strongly believe Khune can rise to the top again but the mindset and attitude will be the key, it does not happen automatically, you still have to be prepared to put in the hard work.
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