Itumeleng Khune: Veteran Goalkeeper Mulls Coaching Role As Kaizer Chiefs Contract Nears End

• Veteran goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune is pondering a coaching role
• Kaizer Chiefs suspended the 37-year-old player in December 2023
• The shot-stopper allegedly turned up at the training ground drunk

Kaizer Chiefs stalwart goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune is contemplating a shift to coaching within the club’s youth setup as his contract winds down.

Sources close to Khune indicate that while he won't be extending his playing tenure with Chiefs, he's eyeing a coaching position.

The veteran's contract with the club is set to conclude at the culmination of the current season, and indications point to him assuming a coaching role.

The 37-year-old shot-stopper could take on a coaching position with the club's junior teams upon retirement, as reported by Citizen.

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With Khune's contract nearing its end, speculation mounts that Amakhosi may not opt for a renewal. He remains sidelined following allegations of attending training while under the influence of alcohol.

While speculation swirls about his potential departure, other reports suggest his desire to continue contributing, possibly through coaching the junior side.

“With the way things are looking at the moment, it doesn’t seem like he will be given a new contract,” a source said, as quoted in The South African.

The source further shares that despite the keeper's desire to continue playing, the club are nudging him towards a different role.

Cavin Johnson gives Khune update

During a recent update, Chiefs interim coach, Cavin Johnson, shed light on Khune's suspension.

Questions arose when the player was absent from Amakhosi's recent DSTv Premiership match against Royal AM on Sunday, February 18, at the Harry Gwala Stadium.

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During the post-match conference, Johnson reiterated that the suspension remains until further notice.

"He’s still in the same situation that you guys find in the media, and the club will do something once that is done," the interim coach said, per iDiski Times.

The manager's remarks have added uncertainty to Khune's future, particularly as his contract edges towards its conclusion. Reports suggest that Chiefs had informed Khune earlier that this season would mark his last before transitioning into marketing and ambassadorial roles.

His tenure with the club, from the 2004/05 season, boasts three league titles and numerous domestic honours.

Khune reacts after making Carling PSL All-Star XI

Sports Brief reported that Former Bafana goalkeeper Khune reacted after making the Carling PSL All-Star XI despite being suspended by his club.

He was initially suspended from playing for the Carling PSL All-Star XI against the Carling Knockout winners, Stellenbosch FC, but the fans voted him in instead.

Khune claimed he was doing great despite the suspension and has been keeping fit.