Itumeleng Khune: What now for veteran Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper?

Kaizer Chiefs are in the rebuilding phase with a host of younger players and a new technical team led by Arthur Zwane this season.

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And in all honesty, there are signs of improvement from this Chiefs team compared to the previous seasons when they had more experienced campaigners on their books.

Itumeleng Khune and Erick Mathoho were the two survivors from the mass exodus that Chiefs embarked on in trying to rebuild the team.

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Zwane still values the duo’s experience as they have been with the first team for over a decade – and are regarded as players who understand the Chiefs culture.

Now, after the first two league matches, it has become clear that Khune is slowly being phased out of Chiefs despite Zwane’s decision to retain him as captain.

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Bruce Bvuma has started the opening two games of the season for Chiefs with Brandon Petersen sitting on the bench and Khune out in the stands.

The Bafana Bafana international has done tremendously well in the two matches he has featured in, and it will be extremely difficult for Khune to reclaim the No.1 spot.

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WHAT NEXT FOR VETERAN KAIZER CHIEFS GOALKEEPER ITUMELENG KHUNE?

After featuring just once for Chiefs last season – in the MTN8 quarter-final loss to Mamelodi Sundowns – Khune appears to be facing another difficult year.

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The departure of Daniel Akpeyi was expected to ease competition a little bit in the Chiefs goalkeeping department but instead, it’s getting tougher by the day.

Both Bvuma and Petersen want to shine and own the No.1 jersey at Chiefs in an effort to also becoming regulars for Bafana Bafana.

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For Khune, it is more about proving that he is still a great goalkeeper more than wanting to take his career to another level having done that for years during his peak.

Now, while a section of fans still wants to see Khune back on the pitch, both Bvuma and Petersen have certainly not made it easy for him.

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And the more both Bvuma and Petersen play, they more they will gain experience and confidence, and Khune may soon not even be considered for matches deemed ‘highly important’.

Khune should prepare himself, at least mentally, for another season with less games under his belt while also mentoring Bvuma, Petersen and the young Bontle Molefe at Chiefs.

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In addition, the 35-year-old needs to work hard behind the scenes in preparing himself for life after football – Khune has already started with his goalkeeper coaching badges.