Kaizer Chiefs’ Itumeleng Khune faces a career-defining choice. What will he decide to do with his time now. Play or retire?
Kaizer Chiefs’ Itumeleng Khune faces a career-critical decision, according to Soccer Laduma. Will he take the ultimatum or new role?
Chiefs’ veteran goalkeeper Khune stands at a career-defining crossroads. Reports suggest the club has presented Khune with an ultimatum. Accept a reduced role in the Marketing Department with a pay cut, or depart. This situation comes after Khune’s turbulent final year, marked by suspension and loss of captaincy due to alleged breaches of the club’s code of conduct in December.
At 37, Khune’s last year at Chiefs proved anticlimactic. Despite earning a spot in the Carling Black Label Cup All-Star XI, he faced limited playing time. His next official appearance came only in May as a substitute in a match against Polokwane City, a gesture honouring his 25-year tenure with the club.
CONTRACT UNCERTAINTY: WILL KHUNE ACCEPT THE OFFER?
Now, Khune finds himself without a contract. According to recent reports, Chiefs have offered him a position in the Marketing department, which involves a significant salary reduction. The offer reportedly comes with a clear choice: accept the new role or leave the club.
Non-playing roles often disappoint seasoned players accustomed to the pitch. A similar situation unfolded with Happy Jele, who after 400 appearances for Orlando Pirates, rejected a non-playing role at age 35, feeling he still had more to contribute on the field. “When the Chairman [Irvin Khoza] invited me to his office to offer me a non-playing position, I was humbled but at the same time shocked,” Jele said, explaining his decision to seek further playing opportunities.
NEXT MOVE: STAY OR SEEK NEW OPPORTUNITIES?
Khune has consistently expressed his belief in his ability to continue as a top goalkeeper. His choice to accept Chiefs’ marketing offer will hinge on whether other PSL clubs show interest in him as a goalkeeper and his readiness to leave the club where he has spent a remarkable 25 years.
