Kaizer Chiefs’ longest-serving player Itumeleng Khune has provided an update on his contract situation.
The 35-year-old goalkeeper is out of contract at the end of next month, with just two games to go before the end of the 2022/23 DStv Premiership season.
He has started 12 games in all competitions this season, also sitting on the bench 12 times, according to Transfermkt.
Both club and the player had been mum on the progress regarding the contract talks, but the former Bafana Bafana number one has since shed light on the developments.
ITUMELENG KHUNE STILL WANTS TO PLAY
Interestingly, Khune has made it clear he still wants to play for another five or so seasons. He has been at Kaizer Chiefs since the age of 12 and is open to winding up his career at Naturena.
However, he admits that it will be the decision of the club whether they want to keep him. “I’ve been getting a lot of those questions [on when I’m retiring]. I look up to goalkeepers like Buffon, and those types of guys have kept me going,” Khune told Robert Marawa on #MSW.
He was speaking ahead of Saturday’s much anticipated Soweto derby in which Orlando Pirates lock horns with Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup semi-final. The game is set to take place at the FNB Stadium.
“You have to invest in yourself as a footballer, and I have a gym at home and follow a strict diet to reach the goals I want to reach.
“For people to keep on saying that I must retire, I don’t understand. I might not be getting game time as much as I want, but we had that discussion with the coach at the start of the season, and my role is to guide the others.
“I can’t complain to the coach because I am not getting game time, I respect the coach, and he respects me. My experience is needed in the team. I want to play until I am 40 plus, but whether that will be at Kaizer Chiefs is up to the club and what I bring to the table. I am not ready to retire.”
KHUNE PROVIDES UPDATE ON CONTRACT TALKS
Regarding a new deal, he admitted talks had not yet begun with a little over a month left before the expiry of his current deal. However, he is not concerned, insisting this has happened before.
“Right now, we haven’t started negotiating, so what’s important now is to finish the season on a high. That’s my main focus. The club has also given me that space to say ‘compete and play as many games as you can. When the time is right, we’ll call you’.
“It’s not the first time this is happening, and I’ve respected the club’s position. They’ve also given me space and time to also focus on what I have to do on the field, which is training good, being a good leader, leading the team.
“We’re at a crucial stage of the season where we’re left with two league matches and two cup matches. By saying cup matches, I’m confident that we’re going to the final. So, that’s where my focus is right now.
“The club has given me that space and time to focus on the field of play. When the time is right, they will say, ‘Itu, come, let’s sit and discuss’ and then it’ll take its course.”
KAIZER CHIEFS HUNGRY FOR SILVERWARE
The veteran shot-stopper went on to reveal that Chiefs players were eager to end their eight-year trophy drought. They want to start delivering silverware, and their sights are set on lifting the Nedbank Cup.
“We haven’t won a trophy in 7 or 8 years, and that’s not the Chiefs’ standard. We’re known as a team that wins trophies, and we need to start delivering on that.
“We are all excited and looking forward to the other Soweto Derby. I know the derby against Swallows has history, but this game is the biggest, and everyone will be watching on TV, and the stadium will be filled.”
Kick off on Saturday is 3pm. In the other semi-final, Sekhukhune United play Stellenbosch FC at the Danie Craven Stadium in Cape Town.
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