A year ago, Kaizer Chiefs and long time South Africa national team goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune declared he would be “a Khosi for life” and the veteran shot stopper made good on his promise to Chiefs supporters by signing a one-year contract extension on Friday to end his career with the club. The club announced on Friday that the 36-year-old signed on for a twentieth season with Amakhosi before he will retire to assume coaching and ambassadorial duties at the end of the 2023-24 season.
Khune’s playing role has steadily declined with Chiefs over the past few seasons but he continues to embrace being captain and a leader of the club despite not featuring as often in the starting eleven. The goalkeeper has made 423 appearances for Chiefs since making his professional debut against Jomo Cosmos on August 25, 2007. Khune made 13 appearances last season for Amakhosi in all competitions.
“It speaks to his love for the game, dedication, hard work and commitment because very few achieve this feat. We hope that he gives it his all in this final season and shares his valuable experience with the younger players in the team,” said Chiefs sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jr. In addition to his success with Chiefs, Khune made 100 appearances for the South Africa national team and also started all three matches at the 2016 Summer Olympics men’s tournament in Rio de Janeiro for Bafana Bafana. Khune is regarded as one of Africa’s best-ever goalkeepers due to his shot stopping abilities as well as his excellent technical ability and distribution skills.
