Lehlohonolo Majoro, the former AmaZulu FC striker and close friend of Itumeleng Khune, has offered his perspective on the veteran goalkeeper’s future.
Khune, a legendary figure in SA, parted ways with Amakhosi when his contract expired at the end of last season after a long and illustrious career with the club.
While the Soweto giants had initially planned for Khune to transition into an ambassadorial and coaching role at the club, the ex-Bafana Bafana No.1 expressed a strong desire to continue playing the beautiful game.
However, an alcohol-related incident strained the relationship between Khune and Chiefs. In a recent media engagement, the club’s marketing director, Jessica Motaung, blatantly confirmed that Khune’s playing days at the Naturena-based outfit are over.
Despite this, Khune feels he has what it takes to play into his forties like some legendary keepers in the world, such as Gianluigi Buffon and Essam El-Hadary.
The Bafana legend – Khune has reportedly not yet accepted The Glamour Boys’ offer of an ambassadorial position.
Although Itumeleng Khune, at 37, is an active player, he seems to be preparing for life after football. His Instagram page features photos of him on construction sites, clad in safety gear.
In addition, he has embarked on a new chapter as the owner and ambassador of South Africa’s betting company, Topbet, signalling his transition as a footballer to the business world. Khune also occasionally provides match analysis on SABC Sport.
EX-KAIZER CHIEFS STRIKER MAJORO WEIGHS IN: SHOULD ITUMELENG KHUNE RETIRE?
Majoro, who himself is currently a free agent after his contract with AmaZulu FC expired in 2023, understands the challenges Khune is facing.
“I was once in the position that Itu finds himself in,” Majoro told FARPost. Football is all that we know. It’s like nurturing a child from birth until they’re old; it’s not that easy to let go of your child.
“I had to leave at AmaZulu when my contract came to an end. If you were to ask me, ‘Majoro, are you hanging up your boots’?, [the answer] is no, I still want to play. But it’s not entirely up to us to sign contracts; the teams decide whether they want us.
“So I fully understand Itu. If he still feels that he can play, then he can play. We all know the qualities of Itu. We all know the goalkeeper’s longevity in football. There’s a 42-year-old playing for Orbit College FC [Atisang Batsi], and there was Siyabonga Nomvethe, who is [PSL’s] all-time top scorer. We also have Lehlohonolo Nonyane and many other players [who are old].”
Majoro added: “It is up to the player to make the decision. No one should be forced to retire or continue playing. If your body feels like you can still play more, you can still play more. If you tell yourself that you can’t play anymore, you can’t. If you need to sit and think about your life [do so]. That is what I did for six months. It is so amazing when you reflect on your journey. How blessed we are, living the dream that you dreamt of while you were still young.
“Whatever happens in the steps he [Khune] will be taking, I wish him all the best. I love him as a brother, and he is a good human being.”
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