Despite Missing AFCON, Bafana Bafana Star Draws Inspiration From Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

• Itumeleng Khune has drawn inspiration from the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
• The South African international has stated that he is still far from hanging his boots
• Khune hinted at a possible return to the Bafana Bafana squad in the near future

South African goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune has said that he draws his story from multiple Ballon d'Or winners, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 36-year-old was not included in Hugo Broos' squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Khune stated that he will continue to play into his 40s, drawing inspiration from Italian legend Gianluigi Buffon, who played at the top, even at age 45.

He made it clear that he is far from hanging his boots despite playing professionally since the year 2004.

The shot-stopper played club football for Kaizer Chiefs, and earned a national team call-up in 2008, making 91 appearances for Bafana Bafana so far.

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Khune believes he could still return to the national team set-up, saying he is still hungry for more. He stated, as per The South African:

“I will never stop believing it is still possible. Gianluigi Buffon was still number one for Italy and Juventus until the age of 45 and he was going strong.

“I refer my story to Lionel Messi who has won seven Ballon d’Or’s and he is still hungry for more.

"I refer my story to Cristiano Ronaldo who has won five Ballon d’Or’s and he is still hungry for more by breaking records at every league he plays in."

Khune shines at Carling Knockout Cup cracker

Sports Brief earlier reported that the release of competitive constraints made for an exciting exhibition as Stellenbosch FC missed out on Carling Knockout riches as an exuberant Carling Knockout All-Star team outfoxed them.

Players were guaranteed a share of R1 million just for showing up, with the winners given double that from the sponsors.

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Captained by legend Khune, the youth openly expressed themselves against a Stellenbosch team that dominated the first half but ultimately ran out of gas.