Itumeleng Khune finds himself in a very difficult decision to make

Veteran goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune is at a crossroads in his career as he contemplates his future with Kaizer Chiefs.

The 37-year-old has been offered a role in the club’s development structures, but he remains undecided on whether to accept this new position or seek opportunities elsewhere. This decision could mark the end of a 25-year association with Amakhosi, where Khune has built a storied legacy

Khune’s exclusion from the team’s preseason trip to Turkey, led by newly appointed coach Nasreddine Nabi, signals a significant shift in Chiefs’ plans. Nabi, who arrived in Turkey after completing his tenure with Moroccan club AS FAR, brought along his technical team, including goalkeeper coach Ilyes Mzoughi. The club’s social media posts featuring Mzoughi with goalkeepers Bruce Bvuma, Brandon Peterson, and Karabo Molefe underscore Khune’s absence from the first-team squad.

An insider close to the situation revealed the difficult choice Khune faces: “Khune is caught up in two minds and he has a very difficult decision to make. He has been offered a position in the development structures. It’s either he takes up that position or he leaves the club and ruins a 25-year-old legacy he has built with Amakhosi.”

Khune’s potential new role in the development academy would come with a significant pay cut, a stark contrast to his status as one of the country’s highest earners. The emotional and professional weight of leaving the club he loves adds complexity to his decision. “If he leaves, he will end a legacy and it will be very difficult for him to go back to Chiefs when he finally retires if he breaks the 25-year spell he’s had with the club,” the insider added.

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Jessica Motaung, Chiefs’ marketing manager, emphasized the ongoing discussions with Khune and the club’s commitment to finding a suitable role for him. “We are having discussions with him and he is part of the family. After 25 years, he is like a little brother to me. We are discussing what opportunities are available for him,” she said. An official announcement regarding Khune’s future is expected in the coming weeks.

Khune’s illustrious career includes 91 caps for Bafana Bafana and memorable performances in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Despite his achievements, the next step in his career remains uncertain as he weighs the options before him.

As the club moves forward with its new leadership and vision, the final decision rests with Khune, who must balance his personal aspirations with the legacy he has built at Kaizer Chiefs.