Khune’s Exit from Kaizer Chiefs: A Bitter End to a Legendary Career

The 37-year-old goalkeeper, Itumeleng Khune, who had been a stalwart for Kaizer Chiefs for 25 years, found himself forced to leave the club after the 2023/24 season. Although Khune, a former Bafana Bafana international, expressed a strong desire to continue playing for the Soweto Giants, the team had different plans, marking a poignant end to an era at the club.

For Khune, retirement was never part of the plan. Despite his advancing age, he believed he still had the ability to compete at the highest level, inspired by the longevity of footballing legends like Italy’s Gianluigi Buffon, who played well into his 40s. Khune’s drive to keep playing was fueled by his love for the game and the desire to continue making an impact on the pitch. However, Chiefs, who had finished a disappointing 10th in the 2023/24 season, were determined to usher in a new era. The club decided that Khune no longer had an active role to play, and attempts to find a new role for him within the team were unsuccessful.

This breakdown in discussions led to Khune’s exit, with both parties parting ways under less-than-ideal circumstances. As Khune sought to explore other ventures outside of football, the decision marked a sad chapter in his illustrious career.

Legendary former goalkeeper Brian Baloyi shared his thoughts on the matter, expressing disappointment with how the situation was handled by both the club and Khune’s management. “The situation could have been handled better from both ends,” Baloyi remarked. He went on to suggest that Khune’s exit could have been avoided if better communication had taken place between the player and the club. According to Baloyi, the blame was not solely on Chiefs but also on Khune and his team for not managing his career more effectively in recent years.

Reflecting on Khune’s last few years at the club, Baloyi noted that Khune had played less than 50 games over the past five to six years. “Imagine if he had put everything in his life on hold and focused on himself and his career. Six years is about 200 to 250 games, and he would be sitting on more than 600 games, and no one was going to catch him in the PSL,” Baloyi pointed out. He believed that Khune had the potential to build an even stronger legacy for himself, but the missed opportunities over the years left him with a sense of regret.

Baloyi expressed a sense of both sadness and disappointment about how the situation played out. “I am not only saddened by the whole situation but also disappointed with the club, him, and the team managing him because they should have dealt with this much better,” he concluded.

Khune’s exit from Kaizer Chiefs brings to an end a remarkable chapter in South African football history. While his legacy at the club is secured, the manner of his departure raises questions about the management of legendary players and the transition to a new era at Chiefs. As Khune reflects on his career, there is no doubt that his impact on South African football will be remembered for years to come.