Kaizer Chiefs to Deny Itumeleng Khune Carling Knockout All Star Game Participation

• Kaizer Chiefs have clarified their stance as Itumeleng Khune is proving popular with voters
• The Carling Knockout Cup All-Star team is selected by fans to take on winners Stellenbosch FC
• Steve Barker's team won the R9.6 million prize money after three straight victories in KZN

The joys of democracy never cease to surprise.

An exhibition game designed to enhance fan engagement has run into a bureaucratic hurdle between Kaizer Chiefs and their ill-disciplined superstar goalkeeper

The Carling Knockout Cup All-Star match gives fans the chance to vote for their favourite players, creating an inevitable clash between form, bias and loyalty.

As of the Reconciliation Day weekend's voting, Itumeleng Khune was streaks ahead of his nearest competition with almost 35,000 votes.

Only injured Chiefs teammate Ashley du Preez and Orlando Pirates forward Kermit Erasmus are in the same bracket as the goalkeeper, as published by iDiskiTimes.

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While Khune's appearance would be a victory for fan power, the Amakhosi are not wanting anything to undermine their disciplinary processes. A source close to the club has claimed via FARPost:

"Chiefs have formally communicated with the PSL that Khune will not be taking part in the Carling All-Star game."

The fan vote was always likely to be lopsided in favour of the traditional powerhouses, with seven of the unfinalised XI coming from the Soweto giants.

The All-Star game pits the fan XI against the competition winners, Stellenboosch FC. The Maroons have developed a strong following, as illustrated by IOL reporting Devon Titus and Iqraam Rayners were among the top voted-for players.

Another piece of fan engagement throughout the competition was the fan-voted man-of-the-match awards, which Rayners won for the third time in three games.

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A list of Khune’s greatest achievements

Sports Brief previously compiled a list of Itumeleng Khune’s greatest career achievements.

His suspension from the first team may have taken the shine off the keeper's farewell season.

However, he has shown remorse and fans will remember the fond memories during his career.