Itumeleng Khune has fuelled rumours he may be hanging up his soccer boots and captaincy at Kazier Chiefs to take on a bigger role…as part of the coaching staff!
The goalkeeper was honoured for his 25 years at the club in a match over the weekend.
However, the 36-year-old has made it clear that it’s not the end of the road.
WILL ITU KHUNE JOIN THE KAIZER CHIEFS COACHING STAFF?
Over the weekend, Itumeleng Khune received his flowers from Kaizer Chiefs following their goalless draw against Polokwane City.
The club captain was given a guard of honour and two jersey plaques, signed by all his teammates.
Khune insisted the tribute was not a farewell.
Speaking to Supersport, he said: “This journey is still long.
“We’re still going to see each other, we’re still going to travel together, as much as we have been traveling it and I appreciate everything that everyone has done for me.
He added: “It’s not a farewell. The club made it clear that they are honouring me for 25 years of service. They didn’t say, ‘We’re bidding farewell to Itumeleng Khune.’
“I think we will go back, sit down and discuss the future. But for now, nothing has been confirmed yet”.
@supersportofficial A special day for Itumeleng Khune as he is honoured for his 25 years at club. #dstvpremiership #kaizerchiefs ♬ original sound – SuperSportTV
According to a Citizen report, Khune, whose contract expires next month, may take up a new developmental role behind the scenes, possibly as coaching staff.
A source said of the motivation behind the move: “The chairman, Dr Kaizer Motaung, has a soft spot for Khune after he served the club so well over the years.
“He doesn’t want to see all his knowledge lost to football, and the club is discussing the possibility of keeping him in a different capacity”.
RISING THROUGH THE RANKS
Although Itu Khune joined the first team in 2004, he trialled for the club’s junior division back in 1999.
As an eager and impressionable 12-year-old, the soccer star tried his luck as a striker and defender on the youth side.
According to development coach Jacob “Terror” Sephooa, Khune was a “disaster” on both tries. The young boy – who had travelled from Ventersdorp to Johannesburg – was discovered “crying hysterically.”
“He was so desperate to play for Kaizer Chiefs,” Sephooa told Goal.com. A desperate Khune was then given the task of being a “ball boy” but impressed the coaches with his agility and speed in the goal post.
His name, “Spider-Kid,” was born, and the young boy was given the official goalkeeper position.
“You could tell the boy really loved Kaizer Chiefs,” Sephoaa added.
Khune would later join Chief’s first division in 2004 and would finally be given game time in 2007 after the departure of Rowen Fernandez and Emille Baron.
In 2011, Khune was appointed captain of Kaizer Chiefs.
