Khune on being cut from Chiefs: I cried for two weeks
Veteran goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune was always expected to bid farewell to Kaizer Chiefs this year, despite the fact he has continued to plainly state his desire to continue competing for a place as a first team player.
Khune is now 37 years old, and while he may have harbouring hopes of being able to extend his career, Chiefs ultimately viewed the matter differently.
Emerging sports betting company, Top Bet, recently announced Khune as its partner and shareholder, and during an event this week, the Amakhosi icon opened up about how Chiefs cut him from the playing squad.
“The first couple of weeks after the meetings with the club, it wasn’t easy for me, I was crying in bed for two straight weeks,” Khune said, as quoted by iDiski Times.
“I was not understanding what was happening. I was given respect though for a sit down with the club who provided their plan going forward, but I was not part of that as a footballer.
“I didn’t believe it… when I heard this news. I want to play longer, into my 40s that’s why I am still hopeful but again, my heart, I cannot control. I feel I can go back tomorrow and play, the next day I wake up with pains everywhere and think it’s fine let’s leave it.
“The passion and love for the game is still there, I can still deliver when called upon, look at Denis Onyango, I’m younger than him and he’s still playing at Sundowns.”
Khune has always insisted he wouldn’t play at any club other than Chiefs
It shouldn’t be forgotten that last year there was already talk that Khune would be transitioning into a new coaching and ambassadorial role, but it remains to be seen if this really pans out as planned a while back.
“It was agreed by two parties and he is now going to retire at Chiefs,” his agent Thato Matuka told Sowetan Live previously. “This is his last season at Chiefs and then he is going to do his goalkeeper coaching badges and the club was very clear in terms of the role.
“They did highlight that he will play the club ambassador role and also do some goalkeeping courses in preparation for life after football. Both parties are happy we are very clear and we are on the same page.
“He needs to get his coaching badge. This is about the three-year project, he can’t become a senior coach overnight. We have to respect the current coaches that are there and he will definitely learn from them.”
Ultimately, what is clear is that Khune – who spent 25 years at Chiefs – has donned the club jersey for the last time.
What are your favourite memories from his career?
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