‘Go prove yourself with another team’ – Ex-Chiefs goalkeeper’s message to Khune

Former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper William Shongwe believes Itumeleng Khune still has a lot to offer to the game.

The former Bafana Bafana No.1 keeper has seen little to no game time in his final season at Amakhosi. The Soweto Giants made an announcement last year that the current season was Khune’s last. The 36-year-old has however mentioned his desire to continue playing beyond the current season.

Speaking to FARPost this week, Shongwe said Khune needed to leave Chiefs to become a goalkeeper elsewhere.

“For me, I think Khune still has the quality to offer,” said the former Amakhosi keeper.

“Some goalkeepers play until they are 40 internationally that’s the case. As Khune was, if he has an opportunity, I will say, ‘Go, go prove yourself with another team. If Chiefs are dropping you, maybe you’re not good enough, go play somewhere and see what happens’.

Khune is not the first or second-choice Keeper at Chiefs

“It’s not a doubt; with his ability, you expect him to save the team,” Shongwe added.

“I think performance also speaks volumes; in the case of Khune, there were times when he didn’t perform as expected,” said the former Chiefs goalkeeper.

“As a player you set a benchmark for yourself, people will judge you on that. Anything else is considered poor; that’s the situation Khune finds himself in. Now he has to prove himself, play against himself, unfortunately that has never happened,” said the chiefs legend.

Khune could be forced to leave Amakhosi end of the season

Since making his debut in 2007, Khune has been Chiefs’ best goalkeeper until recently. He has served as club captain for close to a decade, winning numerous trophies. Since 2020, the ex-Bafana star has seen less game time due to injuries and off-the-field issues.

In December last year, Chiefs suspended Khune for allegedly coming to training under the influence of alcohol.

He served his three-month suspension before returning for the first time. Khune has however failed to make an appearance for Kaizer Chiefs, with Cavin Johnson opting for Bruce Bvuma in goals. Khune’s contract at Chiefs ends in June and the club confirmed last year that the goalkeeper was to retire.

It remains to be seen if Itu will stay at Amakhosi and become a coach or leave for another club. He has spent all his professional playing days at Naturena and a move to another time is unlikely.