Itumeleng Khune of Kaizer Chiefs. Photo: @KaizerChiefs/Twitter
Chiefs won’t turn their back on Khune despite issues
Kaizer Chiefs have made it clear that they will seek to support veteran keeper Itumeleng Khune despite his recent off-field misdemeanours.
Itumeleng Khune of Kaizer Chiefs. Photo: @KaizerChiefs/Twitter
Kaizer Chiefs recently issued a statement on veteran keeper Itumeleng Khune after he was suspended for misconduct after arriving at training under the influence of alcohol.
However, it’s clear that the club won’t just discard such a long-serving player.
“Khune has been a part of this club for many years, I mean I’ve seen him grow, he’s like a younger brother. But also, he’s contributed immensely to Kaizer Chiefs, he’s been a captain for many years and contributed to the national team,” marketing director Jessica Motaung stated.
“And it’s very important that, even when someone makes a mistake, you find time and the opportunity to sit down and address those issues, and while there is discipline, you also find a way to help someone deal with things.
“That, for me, is very important in this process, we’ve talked extensively and I even called him this morning – it’s a tough journey, but I see a young man who’s willing to do the work and we’re here with him.
“But certainly, the message is also, you need to be disciplined, you need to do the work properly and you need to understand that we’re part of a team in which accountability and leadership must be done with integrity.”
Kaizer Chiefs’ coach Cavin Johnson also threw his support behind Khune.
“None us are perfect, that is something that we all have to know. Whatever happens to some of our players, especially (off the pitch) after they play, we are all not perfect. Things like this happen.
“We are just grateful that we work for an organisation like Kaizer Chiefs, and they are able to say: we will help you. That is what I am grateful for, that the club’s statement said: ‘We are going to help you.’ I have told you this before, this club is run by a man who should be walking among presidents.”
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Kaizer Chiefs issued the following statement on Khune:
“At the conclusion of the Club’s rigorous disciplinary processes last week, the committee has taken stern action and decided that Itumeleng Khune should be temporarily separated from the team until certain conditions have been fulfilled,” the statement read.
“As a Club that upholds the highest levels of professionalism, in which discipline forms a key component, Kaizer Chiefs initiated an internal investigation after certain incidents involving Khune came to our attention. The investigation was essential in ensuring the proper functioning and unity within our team.
“During his absence, Khune will be expected to attend and actively participate in certain programmes designed to support his personal growth and development, with support from the Club. These programmes are specifically aimed at helping him address challenges and issues he is facing, while promoting a positive team culture.
“The Club has taken steps to address his transgressions and certain sanctions were instituted, including removing him from the Club captaincy of Kaizer Chiefs.
“As Kaizer Chiefs, we believe in applying corrective measures to achieve personal growth, and we are committed to providing the necessary support to Itumeleng during this period. Once he has completed the required programmes and met the set expectations, he will be welcomed back into the team.
“The team remains focused on the upcoming fixtures and the continued pursuit of excellence. We have full confidence in our players and coaching staff to maintain our high standards and achieve success in Khune’s absence.
“Kaizer Chiefs would like to assure everyone, including our supporters that we remain committed to our core values of discipline, integrity, respect, and unity. We appreciate the unwavering support of our loyal supporters and encourage them to stand together with us as we navigate through this challenging phase.”
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Separated from the team
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