Itumeleng Khune warming up prior the DStv Premiership match between Cape Town Spurs and Kaizer Chiefs at DHL Stadium on May 25, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.
Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
Kaizer Chiefs’ longest-serving player in the present era, Itumeleng Khune, is no longer at Naturena and it is believed that he is failing to agree on a new role at the club, the Siya crew has been informed.
At the start of last season, Amakhosi officially announced that Khune had signed a one-year contract, which was intended to be his last as a player. However, at the end of this season, the former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper expressed his desire to continue playing, while the club offered him a non-playing role in the marketing department.
READ: Chiefs’ Aggressive Plan For Striker Search
Sources close to both the player and Chiefs have indicated that Khune is no longer at the club and has stopped coming into the village because the parties had failed to agree on a way forward for his future.
“The club really wanted him to stay and work with Jessica (Motaung) in the marketing department but he was not happy with that. He wanted to continue playing because he feels he still has what it takes for him to play for a season or two. Yes, there were talks between him and the club but since nothing came up he has stopped coming to the village as a player or official,” said the Siya source.
“There is nothing happening now. Maybe he will come when they need legends just like how Shabba (Siphiwe Tshabalala) and Yeye (Reneilwe Letsholonyane) comes. But for now he is not at the village. He is not working or playing at the club. If he agrees to the new post and takes up the job then he will come back but for now he is not at the village,” the source added.
READ: Comeback King: Downs Coach Lauds Mudau’s Fighting Spirit
A second insider close to the club stated that Chiefs are still willing to offer him a job in the marketing team as well as the position of team ambassador.
“Of course he is still welcome to come back and work at the club. Actually it’s the club that offered him the last playing contract last season and they made it clear that he is free to work at the club. That has not changed. Now the ball is in his court. If he comes back they will give him the job that they are willing to give him. But at the moment there is nothing and he is not at the club,” the second insider stated.
Soccer Laduma contacted Chiefs for comment on the issue, but there was no response at the time of publishing.
Khune’s future at Amakhosi remains uncertain as both parties have yet to reach an agreement on his role at the club. While the club is keen to retain him in a non-playing capacity, Khune’s desire to continue his playing career has created a stalemate. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Khune will return to Naturena in a new role or seek opportunities elsewhere.
Get the best in Soccer, News and Lifestyle content with SNL24 PLUS
For 14 free days, you can have access to the best from Soccer Laduma, KickOff, Daily Sun, TrueLove and Drum. Thereafter you will be billed R29 per month. You can cancel anytime and if you cancel within 14 days you won’t be billed.
.