Has Kaizer Chiefs legend Khune sounded a warning to Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeepers?

Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns have been doing quite well this season across all competitions, partly due to stability in the goalkeeping department.

Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams has been solid in goal for Masandawana while his national team rival Sipho Chaine has kept him with strong showings at the Sea Robbers.

It has kept the likes of Jody February, who is the third choice keeper at Sundowns, and Pirates’ Melusi Buthelezi on the bench. Don’t make a mistake of thinking the duo does not have the needed quality to deliver at the highest level.

Khune opens up on three aspects that a player should consider

Kaizer Chiefs legend Itumeleng Khune has shared his mind on the situation of the two goalkeepers, at the same time opined on serving as a second or third choice shot-stopper.

“Like, to be quite honest, I’ve never faced that type of situation. Once I started playing my first game for Chiefs, I played all the matches. So I don’t know how it feels like, but I can only imagine what is going through the players’ minds. Obviously, as a player, you have three things. Three boxes that you want to tick. In football, you play to play. You play to win trophies. Or you play for money. So as a player, you have three choices. You have to choose and prioritise,” he said as quoted by Soccer Laduma.

“So with me, I chose to play because once I play, my value goes up. And then I’m going to earn more money. And after earning more money, I’m going to win, obviously. I’m going to be motivated to win trophies. So during my playing days, I ticked all those boxes. So it’s just a matter of a player prioritising what he wants,” the 38-year-old added.

Have Buthelezi and February made the right decision?

“If you want to be a benchwarmer, just make sure you’re at the right club. You’re making your money. You are winning trophies. So with Buthelezi’s situation, I wouldn’t advise him to ask for a loan to go get game time. Because he’s playing for the right club, Pirates. He’s earning good money and he’s winning trophies. So for him, it’s understandable,” Khune continued.

But even with Jody, it’s understandable. But it’s been long for Jody signing a five-year contract with Sundowns and his fourth or fifth choice. So if I were him, I was going to ask for a loan. Asking for a loan means you’re going to play. When you play, your value goes up. When it goes up, obviously, you’re going to come back with more experience.

“And whatever happens to Ronwen, because he’s getting older, injuries will start kicking in. Touch wood doesn’t happen. But as a footballer, expect such to happen. It’s going to happen,” he continued.

Khune on Pieterse

Goalkeeper Reyaad Pieterse has been serving Masandawana for years but as back-up. He was also at Kaizer Chiefs when Khune was at his prime which gave him no chance.

“But again, it would be nice for a player to look at himself and say, it’s been years now without me getting a starting pair. I was with Reyaad Pieterse at Studio 88. They were launching a new store. And I told my wife, this is one of the most decorated goalkeepers in the PSL, without playing.

“Then I asked him, how many trophies have you won with Sundowns? Mind you, he won four at Chiefs. He left for Sundowns. He already has seven league titles, without playing. His answer, when I told him that, he was like, no, because he’s a shy guy,” Khune concluded.