Itumeleng Khune Offers Guidance to Buthelezi and February on Career Decisions

Itumeleng Khune has shared candid advice for Bafana Bafana’s deputy goalkeepers, Orlando Pirates’ Melusi Buthelezi and Mamelodi Sundowns’ Jody February, addressing the challenges of limited game time while serving as backups to Ronwen Williams and Sipho Chaine. Khune spoke during a reflection on his career, highlighting the decisions goalkeepers face when minutes on the pitch are scarce.

Khune, who spent his career as Kaizer Chiefs’ undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, acknowledged he never personally experienced long periods on the bench. Yet he outlined the realities every professional must consider, including the balance between playing time, winning trophies, and financial security.

“Like, to be quite honest, I’ve never faced that type of situation. Once I started playing my first game for Chiefs, I played all the matches. So I don’t know how it feels like, but I can only imagine what is going through the players’ minds. Obviously, as a player, you have three things. Three boxes that you want to tick. In football, you play to play. You play to win trophies. Or you play for money. So as a player, you have three choices. You have to choose and prioritise,” Khune explained.

For Khune, playing regularly was central. Consistent game time increased his value, boosted earnings, and motivated him to win trophies. He stressed that each player must define their priorities.

Regarding Buthelezi, Khune advised patience. With Pirates consistently competing for silverware, the 22-year-old is at a club where he earns well and has opportunities to win trophies. Khune believes Buthelezi does not need to seek a loan to gain minutes at this stage.

“If you want to be a benchwarmer, just make sure you’re at the right club. You’re making your money. You are winning trophies. So with Buthelezi’s situation, I wouldn’t advise him to ask for a loan to go get game time. Because he’s playing for the right club, Pirates. He’s earning good money and he’s winning trophies. So for him, it’s understandable,” Khune said.

February, however, faces a different scenario. With a long-term contract at Sundowns but limited playing opportunities behind Ronwen Williams, Khune suggested that a loan move could benefit the 25-year-old. Regular minutes would improve his value and experience, preparing him for future opportunities when Williams eventually ages or faces injuries.

“But even with Jody, it’s understandable. But it’s been long for Jody signing a five-year contract with Sundowns and his fourth or fifth choice. So if I were him, I was going to ask for a loan. Asking for a loan means you’re going to play. When you play, your value goes up. When it goes up, obviously, you’re going to come back with more experience,” Khune said.

Khune also shared insights from encounters with other top goalkeepers, including Reyaad Pieterse, who accumulated multiple league titles at Sundowns despite limited playing time. Khune highlighted that career paths vary, and players must confront their own realities when deciding whether to stay or seek opportunities elsewhere.

The veteran keeper’s advice underscores the importance of strategic career planning for backup goalkeepers. While Buthelezi can focus on growth at Pirates, February may benefit from active playing time elsewhere to strengthen his long-term prospects. Both cases highlight the balance between patience, opportunity, and career advancement for South Africa’s emerging goalkeepers.