Unpacking Itumeleng Khune’s exile from Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs are considering bringing club legend Itumeleng Khune back to their ranks. Good move for the Soweto side?

Ex-Kaizer Chiefs star Itumeleng Khune during the International Friendly match between Kazier Chiefs and TSG Hoffenheim at FNB Stadium, Johannesburg on the 16 January 2015. Image: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

Kaizer Chiefs are on the brink of welcoming Itumeleng Khune back to Naturena six months after his exile.

The Bafana number one dazzled AmaKhosi fans for twenty-five years, winning three league titles, nine domestic cups, and an array of accolades, from 2012/13 PSL Player of the Year to three PSL Goalkeeper of the Season awards.

Khune, aged 37, dreamt of playing for Kaizer Chiefs into his forties but had the opportunity ripped away from him, the club refusing to extend his contract after the Glamour Boys miserable 2023/24 season.

In his final game against Polokwane City – which fittingly marked his twenty-fifth anniversary – the former AmaKhosi shot-stopper was adamant he would return next season, but Kaizer Chiefs had other plans.

Weeks after that game, one of Chiefs’ most loyal disciples, who managed 153 clean sheets in 347 games, was thrown to the wayside, and Nasreddine Nabi’s number-one position has never been the same.

Khune back to Chiefs?

Recent reports speculate a reunion between Khune and Kaizer Chiefs – but it won’t be between the sticks where they position him.

The Soweto giants are exploring options to bring the former Bafana star behind the scenes:

“Yes, the club still wants to work with Itu (Khune),” a source confirmed.

“They feel that he still has a lot to offer outside the playing field and that’s why the talks never stopped,

“The club understands that he has other responsibilities in his life but they are looking at a possible way of formulating a conducive working partnership which will suit both parties and that’s why they are still talking to him regarding that position in the marketing and commercial department with Jessica.”

Another source reveals that the club are willing to entertain a coaching position in the future, saying,

“For now it could be for the marketing and commercial department but they (Chiefs) also want him (Khune) to do his coaching badges and impact his knowledge to the young and upcoming goalkeepers.

“The club believes he still has a lot to contribute to the team in terms of teaching the young goalkeepers the ropes as he has been there and done almost everything for the team. So, no matter which department works for him, the club still wants him back.”