Premier Soccer League side Kaizer Chiefs have seemingly made their decision regarding the future of legendary goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune.
At 37 years, Khune has repeatedly reiterated his desire to continue playing at the top level, arguing he is still fit. However, the club has not yet extended his stay after his contract with the Glamour Boys expired on June 31.
The custodian was among the eight players whose contracts were set to expire at the end of the 2023/24 season.
Chiefs opted to release Keagan Dolly, Njabulo Ngcobo, Sifiso Hlanti, Jasond Gonzalez – who was on loan, and Siyethemba Sithebe while Edmilson Dove and George Matlou contracts were extended by a season, nothing has been communicated regarding Khune's future.
Is the writing on the wall?
Former Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene believes Khune can still compete at the highest level.
“No, he is not finished; how old is Khune? He is [37], so Khune is not finished [and] can still give you another three seasons,” he said in a recent interview.
“That’s up to him to decide [whether he stays at Chiefs or leaves for another club] but Khune has been playing for Chiefs since his childhood days, so the pressure on him has become like Vaseline or lotion. He won’t feel it.
“When you have grown up in the environment of playing for Chiefs, Pirates, and Sundowns, the pressure becomes [normal] to you. For me, I think he still has to play.”
It seems the future of the former South Africa international is away from Naturena. Amakhosi left for pre-season in Turkey on Thursday, July 4, but Khune was nowhere to be seen. Chiefs have not said anything regarding their ex-captain who is currently a free agent.
Khune's Amakhosi story
The custodian signed a one-year extension at the beginning of the 2023/24 season as a backup to Brendan Petersen – who was the first choice, and Bruce Bvuma.
Consistent high-profile mistakes by Petersen allowed Khune to get back into the starting team, with Bvuma serving as his second choice.
However, the veteran keeper's good day didn't last long. His disciplinary code breach led to his suspension, eventually losing his place in the team.
In Amakhosi's final Premier Soccer League game at the FNB Stadium, the keeper was honoured for the 25 years he served the club.
The club is restructuring after their worst finish in the league, and it seems Khune is just not part of their plan.
