Kaizer Chiefs have made a big statement about Itumeleng Khune. Photo: Twitter
Khune to transition into a new Chiefs coaching, ambassadorial role
Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed an interesting new role change that Itumeleng Khune will undertake this season.
Kaizer Chiefs have made a big statement about Itumeleng Khune. Photo: Twitter
Khune is one of the most iconic players to have ever pulled on a Kaizer Chiefs jersey, and as his latest contract headed towards its end, there was every expectation that the stalwart would be handed a new deal.
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Chiefs have now confirmed that the club has decided to retain the services of Khune for one final season, but there is an interesting caveat to this deal.
Role change for Khune at Chiefs
Interestingly, Chiefs also confirmed that the veteran keeper will begin to shift his focus towards a new role at Chiefs for next year.
“Kaizer Chiefs’ longest serving player and Club captain, Itumeleng Khune, has been handed a new contract which will see him play for Amakhosi for one final season, taking his professional career to two decades,” a statement read.
“While Khune will be involved in training and preparations for matches as a player, he will also use this year to broaden his technical acumen, as he transitions into a new coaching and ambassadorial role working with the marketing division at the club.”
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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.
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He has emphatically stated on numerous occasions that he had no plans to retire and actually wanted to play until he is over the age of 40, but this now no longer seems to be on the cards.
“For people to keep on saying that I must retire, I don’t understand. I might not be getting game time as much as I want but we had that discussion with the coach at the start of the season and my role is to guide the others,” he commented earlier this year.
“I can’t complain to the coach because I am not getting game time, I respect the coach and he respects me. My experience is needed in the team. I want to play until I am 40 plus but whether that will be at Chiefs is up to the club and what I bring to the table. I am not ready to retire.”
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