Kaizer Chiefs coach Cavin Johnson speaks about Itumeleng Khune’s return as a blessing. Image: @ItumelengKhune/Instagram)
Ex-Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper’s advice to Itu Khune over future
Khune has been with the Kaizer Chiefs senior team for 20 years, but what will he decide to do when his contract expires?
Kaizer Chiefs coach Cavin Johnson speaks about Itumeleng Khune’s return as a blessing. Image: @ItumelengKhune/Instagram)
Former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper William Shogwe has weighed in on the future of Itumeleng Khune which continues to hog the headlines.
Speaking to FarPost, Shongwe said Khune still has a lot to offer the game despite Chiefs declaring that this will be his final season with them as a player.
In a statement released in 2023 when Khune signed a one-year contract extension, Chiefs said the goalkeeper would be offered a non-playing position if he decides to stay beyond June 2024.
Khune hasn’t publicly declared his decision but he appears eager to keep going, especially with his desire to play until 40 years old.
In his own words, Shongwe said he would advise Khune to go and play elsewhere if Chiefs don’t change their mind about letting him go.
The 36-year-old had an opportunity to leave Chiefs in 2015 after the club decided against offering him a new deal due to high salary demands.
However, he remained to loyal to Chiefs, and when he came back to his senses, Khune returned to Naturena and asked to be re-hired.
And indeed he was accepted back by Chiefs, and Khune later revealed that he only wants to play for the Soweto giants when asked if he had offers from other PSL clubs.
KAIZER CHIEFS LEGEND TELLS KHUNE TO GO AND PLAY ELSEWHERE
“For me, I think Khune still has the quality to offer,” said Shongwe.
“Some goalkeepers play until they are 40 internationally that’s the case. As Khune was, if he has an opportunity, I will say, ‘Go, go prove yourself with another team. If Chiefs are dropping you, maybe you’re not good enough, go play somewhere and see what happens’.
KHUNE HAS TO PROVE HIMSELF AGAIN – SHONGWE
Furthermore, Shongwe admits that Khune will again have to prove himself at a different club if he decides to continue playing after Chiefs.
Khune set the goalkeeping bar high in South African football for many years, and Shongwe conceded that anything less is considered poor by fans.
“It’s not a doubt; with his ability, you expect him to save the team. I think performance also speaks volumes; in the case of Khune, there were times when he didn’t perform as expected,” continued Shongwe.
“As a player, you set a benchmark for yourself, people will judge you on that. Anything else is considered poor; that’s the situation Khune finds himself in. Now, he has to prove himself, play against himself, unfortunately that has never happened,” he concluded.
