Itumeleng Khune: Kaizer Chiefs Extend Support to Veteran Goalkeeper Amid Suspension

• Itumeleng Khune was suspended and stripped of his captaincy pending an investigation
• Kaizer Chiefs' Marketing Director says the club will support the veteran goalkeeper
• The goalkeeper was alleged to have arrived at the training grounds drunk

Kaizer Chiefs' marketing director Jessica Motaung has given reassurance of the club’s commitment to supporting veteran goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune.

The 36-year-old was suspended and stripped of his captaincy on Thursday, December 7, 2023, following reports of disciplinary issues.

It was alleged he arrived at training drunk, with the matter still pending an internal investigation.

Motaung stressed she had seen him grow akin to a younger brother, contributing immensely to the club while serving as captain and also making significant contributions to the national team.

She acknowledged the importance of addressing mistakes and providing assistance and was quoted on SABC Sport saying:

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"We have talked extensively, and it is a tough journey, but I see a young man willing to do the work. The message is that you need to be disciplined, do the work properly, and accountability and leadership must be done with integrity."

Regarding Khune's recent contradiction about retirement plans, she hints at ongoing efforts to work on his next chapter.

Motaung expressed excitement about exploring the goalkeeper’s future journey and stressed the importance of guiding players beyond their playing careers.

She told Times Live:

"We are creating programmes for legends to allow them to engage in different ways with the club. It is important to educate them. As much as there is discipline, we also want to assist and empower our players, I trust that our players take it very seriously”

Cavin Johnson reacts to Khune's situation

Sports Brief previously reported that Kaizer Chiefs' head coach, Cavin Johnson, hailed the club's leadership on how they are managing Khune’s suspension.

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Fans were alerted that the goalkeeper had been suspended and his captaincy revoked following disciplinary action.

The situation did not affect the squad's mentality, as they defeated Polokwane City 1-0 on December 9, 2023, in Polokwane to move up to fifth in the PSL.