Kaizer Chiefs stalwart Itumeleng Khune. Photo: BackpagePix
Chiefs and Khune soon set to decide what the future holds
It’s reported that veteran keeper Itumeleng Khune will soon hold ‘crunch talks’ with Chiefs over a contract extension.
Kaizer Chiefs stalwart Itumeleng Khune. Photo: BackpagePix
As Kaizer Chiefs assess their squad resources and requirements over the next few weeks, it shouldn’t be forgotten that iconic keeper Itumeleng Khune will see his current contract coming to an end in the middle of this year.
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Back in July 2021, Khune was one of the five Amakhosi players who were offered contract extensions, with the veteran signing a new two-year deal at that time. Many thought that might be the last contract for Khune, who was even asked that question back then.
“Is this my last contract at the club? That will be up to the club to decide,” Khune responded to such a query in mid-2021. “I’m really grateful for yet another opportunity that I’ve been given by the club, but I don’t know whether it will be my last. It will depend on what I still have to give on the pitch.”
Fast forward to this season, and recently Khune has spoken out about some of the key changes that enabled him to get back to top match fitness, while suddenly reclaiming a regular place in the starting team before picking up a niggling injury.
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In more recent times, the Amakhosi stalwart hasn’t battled a bit with consistency and form, while mostly featuring on the bench.
It’s still been an incredible turnaround considering that prior to this season Khune had been battling to reclaim his No.1 spot in the Chiefs team, while there was talk from some pundits during the off-season that he should perhaps look at moving to another club to be able to start playing regularly.
However, the 35-year-old has always emphatically stated that he is happy at the club and won’t be looking to leave.
According to the latest issue of Soccer Laduma, a high-ranking source at the club has said Khune or a representative will meet with key management this month in order to discuss his future.
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What does the future hold for Khune?
As his his latest contract extension heads towards its end, there is every expectation that Khune will be handed a new deal.
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Earlier this year, the former Bafana star explained why he was not willing to consider leaving the club even during a period of limited game-time.
“I will never entertain that I should leave the club. I will never go anywhere. I’m a ‘Khosi for Life’. I’ve been given an opportunity from the development to the senior side. I’ve been given the responsibility of captaining the biggest club on the continent, so I wouldn’t be entertaining ideas that I would like to leave the club in the future.”
