New Kaizer Chiefs contract incoming for Khune?

Itumeleng Khune is one of the most iconic players to have ever pulled on a Kaizer Chiefs, and as his latest contract heads towards its end, there is every expectation that the 35-year-old will be handed a new deal.

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.

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“I will never entertain that I should leave the club,” he said back then. “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.”

In the latest issue of Soccer Laduma, it’s now reported that initial talks have been held between the club and Khune, although more exact discussions are only expected to take place after the final game of the season.

Ultimately, though, the expectation is that there will be an extended role for Khune beyond this season, although nothing is being rushed at this stage.

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Khune has said he feels like he can contribute for years to come

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.

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