Despite calls from some for Itumeleng Khune to retire, a former Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper believes the Kaizer Chiefs' shot-stopper can still play for up to three more seasons.
Khune’s future at Chiefs currently hangs in balance with his contract having expired at the end of June.
In recent seasons, injuries have hampered the 37-year-old Khune, limiting his appearances and leading him to lose his starting spot as goalkeeper. Last season, he only made six appearances in all competitions.
While Chiefs stated the previous season would be Khune’s last as a player at the club, he still expressed his desire to continue playing. It remains unclear whether the club is willing to give him another contract as a player.
It appears Chiefs had already prepared a non-playing role for the Ventersdorp-born goalkeeper.
Erstwhile Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene believes Itumeleng Khune can still contribute for up to three more seasons. Mweene is confident that the 2013 PSL Footballer of the Year can recapture his peak form.
EX-MAMELODI SUNDOWNS GOALKEEPER ON ITUMELENG KHUNE: ‘HE’S NOT FINISHED’
“No, he is not finished,” Mweene said during his interview with Arena Sport Show.
“How old is Khune? He is 36 (37), so Khune is not finished. He can still give you another three seasons.”
Mweene, now serving as an assistant goalkeeper coach at Sundowns, added that pressure won't trouble Khune upon his return. He believes Khune's extensive experience equips him to handle it effectively.
‘PRESSURE ON KHUNE IS LIKE VASELINE OR LOTION’
“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,” added Mweene.
“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.
“I wouldn’t say he feels pressure, no. You see goalkeepers like Khune, Ronwen (Williams), Veli Mothwa, Denis Onyango, (Darren) Keet, Stephen Sage and also (Sipho) Chaine coming now as well.
“These goalkeepers I’ve counted, you can’t talk about pressure to them. They know it from in and out. They can do whatever they want under so much pressure.”
Meanwhile, Chiefs have already parted ways with four players – Keagan Dolly, Siyethemba Sithebe, Sfiso Hlanti and Njabulo Ngcobo following the end of their contracts.
