The future of Kaizer Chiefs legend Itumeleng Khune is shrouded in uncertainty as the club remains tight-lipped about his contract renewal. The veteran goalkeeper, a household name in South African football, is at a crossroads, with his current contract expiring today.
Khune, 37, has been a stalwart for the Amakhosi for a remarkable 25 years, a feat that has cemented his place in the club's history books. But as the new season approaches, the question on everyone's lips is: will Khune don the famous gold and black jersey once more?
While Khune has expressed his desire to continue playing for another season or two, the final decision rests with the club's management.
"Itu reported back to training this week with the rest of his teammates. He did not get a chance to work with the new goalkeeper coach yet as they were still doing their medicals and other tests," a source close to the situation revealed to Celeb Gossip News.
"He has not decided to retire, and he is hoping to continue playing for the club. But it is up to the club to decide if it is keeping him or not. It will be sad if they let him go or if he does not reach common ground with the Chiefs management."
The arrival of a new goalkeeper coach, Ilyes Mzoughi, who previously served as the Mauritania national team goalkeeper coach, has added another layer of intrigue to the situation. Mzoughi's arrival signals a fresh approach to the goalkeeping department, and it remains to be seen how he will assess Khune's current form.
The club's recent statement at the beginning of last season, declaring that Khune was signing his "final Chiefs contract," has further fueled speculation about his future.
"Club captain, Itumeleng Khune, has been handed a new contract, which will see him play for Amakhosi for one final season, taking his professional career to two decades. While Khune will be involved in training and preparations for matches as a player, he will also use the season to broaden his technical acumen, as he transitions into a new coaching and ambassadorial role working with the marketing division at the club," Chiefs stated at the time.
However, towards the end of last season, Khune, in a heartfelt tribute, made it clear that his testimonial was not a farewell.
"It’s not a farewell. The club 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," he told Supersport TV.
Chiefs spokesperson Vina Maphosa remained tight-lipped when approached for comment.
"The transfers, the technical team and everything will be spoken about when everybody has returned. That is all I can say," Maphosa said.
Khune's legacy as a Kaizer Chiefs legend is undeniable. He has made over 425 appearances for the club, placing him among the ranks of legendary players like Howard Freeze, Thabo Mooki, Teenage Dladla, and Ace Ntsoelengoe, who all donned the Amakhosi jersey more than 400 times.
His impressive career also includes 91 caps for Bafana Bafana, where he played a pivotal role in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The decision on Khune's future is a weighty one for Kaizer Chiefs. The club faces a difficult choice: do they continue to rely on the veteran goalkeeper, who has been a cornerstone of their success for over two decades, or do they usher in a new era with a younger, potentially more dynamic goalkeeper?
The next few days will be crucial for Khune's future. Will he continue to be a part of the Amakhosi family, or will he be forced to seek a new home? Fans and pundits alike are eagerly awaiting the news, hoping that the club will make a decision that honours Khune's legacy while also ensuring the team's future success.
