Former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana captain Itumeleng Khune delivered a stark yet inspiring message to current and future generations of footballers, also revealing a multimillion-rand property portfolio.
Khune, who has not played professional football since leaving Amakhosi at the end of the 2023/24 season, was speaking at the recent launch of Touchline Magazine in Gaborone, Botswana.
The former goalkeeper, who was accompanied by his wife Sphelele, stressed the importance of financial planning, revealing that his early investment strategy, which began in his debut season, has secured his long-term future. He revealed that he had secured ownership of eight properties, all fully paid.
“I want to advise current and future generations to invest in their craft and give it their all in their different industries,” Touchline Magazine quoted Khune. “They must have a Plan B, meaning while you are still playing, you should build something that will carry you after retirement.”
WHEN DID KHUNE BUY HIS FIRST PROPERTY?
He went on to share his personal example of financial discipline that began at the start of his professional career. Khune, who hails from Ventersdorp in North West, got his opportunity in the early stages of the 2007/08 season after the departure of number one goalkeeper Rowen Fernandez to German club Arminia Bielefeld.
With the experienced Emile Baron often plagued by injuries, Khune was made number one by then Chiefs coach Muhsin Ertugral. Crowned Footballer of the Season in 2013, he went on to feature in over 400 games for both club and country.
“I bought my first property in my maiden season,” the 38-year-old added. “Today I own eight properties, all fully paid off with title deeds. Do not leave it until it’s too late. I started thinking about the future while I was still playing, and that helped me.”
He believes retirement is not a scheduled event but an inevitable part of the journey of a sportsman. “Retirement is not something you plan for; it happens,” he explained.
The three-time league winner advised footballers to look beyond property investments and to take advantage of modern resources. He encouraged them to utilise the digital world for research and self-education on emerging trends and opportunities. “Investing early gives you peace of mind because you won’t panic when your contract is not renewed,” he concluded.
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