Itumeleng Khune‘s contract with Kaizer Chiefs expires at the end of the month but the goalkeeper is not ready to hang his gloves.
The 36-year-old broke into Amakhosi‘s first team 20 years ago and went on to make his debut in 2007. Since then, Khune has played over 300 times for the Glamour Boys serving as captain for most of those years. Last year Chiefs announced that the keeper would play in his last season before taking over as goalkeeper coach for the 2024/25 season.
In May, Kaizer Chiefs celebrated Itumeleng Khune during the team’s last home match of the season. The 36-year-old shot-stopper made it clear that he was not retiring from the game. According to Soccer Laduma, the club’s hierarchy is divided over the player’s future.
Former Mamelodi Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana said on SABC’s Soccer Zone that it was time for Khune to retire.
“I wish he could understand and face the reality that he will never play forever,” he said.
“At this stage that he finds himself in, one would say leave the game before you start hating the game.”
Kaizer Chiefs divided over Itumeleng Khune’s future?
“The reality says the system doesn’t want you anymore. So when the system doesn’t want you anymore, make sure that you move,” Kekana warned.
“You don’t want to watch football one day and hate it.”
“He played for Bafana; he captained the Kaizer Chiefs team, which won the league. I mean, he has done so much. What point does he want to prove, and to whom?” Kekana asked.
Khune could leave Amakhosi for a new team or decides to retire
The latest is Kaizer Chiefs are divided over Itumeleng Khune as one side wants the star to continue playing and the other party wants him in managerial position.