Itumeleng Khune

It appears as if Itumeleng Khune’s daughter’s were impressed with their father’s performance in Saturday’s DStv Compact Cup semi-finals. Picture: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

Gavin Hunt: Family tragedy will ignite Itumeleng Khune’s fire

Kaizer Chiefs coach Gavin Hunt says he knows why goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune has been struggling in his game.

Itumeleng Khune

It appears as if Itumeleng Khune’s daughter’s were impressed with their father’s performance in Saturday’s DStv Compact Cup semi-finals. Picture: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

Kaizer Chiefs coach Gavin Hunt says he knows why goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune has been struggling in his game and why he could be back to his old self again.

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Amakhosi 17-year veteran Khune has come under increasing scrutiny over the last two seasons in particular as he struggles for consistency and game-time at Kaizer Chiefs.

Khune started Kaizer Chiefs’ CAF Champions League clash against Wydad AC on the bench on Saturday, but was called into action shortly before half-time after starting ‘keeper Daniel Akpeyi was red-carded for handling the ball outside of his box.

The 33-year-old Khune managed to keep a clean sheet as Kaizer Chiefs hung on for a famous 1-0 victory at the FNB Stadium.

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Speaking to the media after the match according to Kickoff, Hunt said he feels the Itumeleng Khune’s recent tragedy in his personal life could be the spark to bring about a resurgence in his career.

“I mean, he’s had a hell of a time in his life, with what’s happened [the tragic death of Khune’s sister]… He’s one that I can see is coming back mentally,” said Gavin Hunt.

“I always felt Itu’s problem is – and I said it to him, I won’t hide it – I think he fell out of love with the game. You’ve got to love the game, and sometimes it happens in football careers.

“Sometimes you need a jolt, and what’s happened to him off the field is tragic but sometimes in football you need something to [shake you up], and maybe… 

“I’ve seen, certainly, a resurgence. He’s coming back mentally and loving the game. You’ve got to want to go to training everyday and love it. If you don’t, it’s a problem.

“I think it’s important that he [realises that], but we’ve spoken about it so I’m just speaking openly.”