Khune. image via Instagram @itukhune32

Kaizer Chiefs outcast Khune didn’t start his footy career as a goalkeeper…

Kaizer Chiefs skipper Itumeleng Khune wasn’t always a goalkeeper. Do you know in which position he started his Amakhosi journey?

by James Freemantle

08-12-2023 10:28

in Premier Soccer League

Khune. image via Instagram @itukhune32

Kaizer Chiefs skipper Itumeleng Khune is in the news for sub-optimal reasons today. Here’s something you might now know, though.

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KHUNE STARTED HIS CAREER AS A STRIKER

Yes, you didn’t read that wrong. The legendary goalkeeper, who made his Kaizer Chiefs debut 16 years ago, arrived at trials in 1999 as a young striker. By chance, during a junior game when young Itu was experiencing chest problems, he acted as ball-boy. When diving for off-target shots, he caught the attention of a youth coach and was promoted to the first team by 2004. The rest, as they say, is history.

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Kaizer Chiefs Itumeleng Khune — South Africa will come to a standstill on Saturday afternoon when Kaizer Chiefs host rivals Orlando Pirates at the FNB Stadium. Image Source: (@ItumelengKhune/Twitter)

KHUNE’S GOLDEN ERA AT KAIZER CHIEFS

Itumeleng Issac Khune was the rare honour of being a one-club man. Famous around the world for his sensational distribution of a football, he’s also displayed superb shot-stopping abilities for club and country down the years. Khune made his PSL debut for Amakhosi against Jomo Cosmos in August 2007. In the 16 years that have elapsed, he has scooped seven major honours with the Glamour Boys, including three DStv Premiership crowns in 2005, 2013 and 2015. This guy was also PSL Footballer of the Year in 2013. Say what you will, but Khune is a bona fide Amakhosi legend.

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