"Suspended Goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune Draws Inspiration from Gianluigi Buffon's Longevity"
Itumeleng Khune, the suspended goalkeeper for Kaizer Chiefs, finds inspiration in the remarkable career of Italian legend Gianluigi Buffon, who continued playing professional football until the age of 45. At 36 years old, Khune, who has been selected by fans to represent the Carling Black Label All-Stars in a match against Stellenbosch at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday, remains determined to extend his playing career into the next season.
Despite a conflicting stance from Chiefs, who previously announced that their former captain would transition to a coaching and ambassadorial role within the marketing department at Naturena for the upcoming season, Khune remains committed to continuing as a player. Despite only making five appearances in all competitions this season and the likelihood of limited involvement for the remainder of the current season, Khune expressed his desire to actively participate on the field.
Drawing motivation from Buffon's longevity and success, Khune remains resolute in his pursuit of further contributions to the sport he loves, eager to continue his playing career beyond the current season.
“I will never stop believing it is still possible. Gianluigi Buffon was still number one for Italy and Juventus until the age of 45 and he was going strong,” he said.
“So it’s up to you as a footballer on how you behave, carry yourself and the goals you set for yourself when you started as a youngster and tick all the boxes.
“I am still hungry for more success and I have to show it on the field, not only talk about it. Every time I am given the opportunity I have to show the hunger and how much I want to achieve because you can never have enough.”
Khune, who is on suspension at Chiefs for disciplinary transgressions, said he is also inspired by the relentless pursuit of excellence by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
“I refer my story to Lionel Messi who has won seven Ballon d'Or’s and he is still hungry for more. I refer my story to Cristiano Ronaldo who has won five Ballon d'Or’s and he is still hungry for more by breaking records at every league he plays in.
“You can never have enough as a footballer. I have won four goalkeeper of the season awards but I still feel I can win more. Obviously age is not on my side any more but I feel, with experience, I can achieve it.”
Though he has not played much over the past few seasons, Khune remains hugely popular among football fans.
“I am grateful for the love and support I still get from South African soccer-loving fans. I am happy that they voted for me; they could have voted for another goalkeeper because we have a lot of talent in the country.
