Kaizer Chiefs captain Itumeleng Khune has challenged the club’s statement that he is transitioning into coaching and ambassadorial roles, insisting that he is still hungry to play.
Khune has featured in three of Chiefs’ last five games, giving him hope that he can continue donning the Gold and Black jersey beyond the current campaign.
The 36-year-old goalkeeper even cited the examples of Gianluigi Buffon and Essam El Hadary, who both played at a high level into their 40s, as proof that he can still compete at the highest level.
The former Bafana Bafana international has also pointed out that other players have retired and then come back to play again, suggesting that he is open to doing the same if Chiefs are willing to give him a new contract.
At the start of the season, the Soweto giants released a statement, stating that the 2023/24 will be Itumeleng Khune’s last as a player. But it seems Khune still has the hunger to play. However, the veteran goalie can’t seem to keep a clean sheet has he has conceded five games in four games this season.
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“It (retirement) will depend on my performances on the field, every player that is registered in the team is willing to work harder,” said Khune.
“Everyone is willing to compete for a place and is willing to give his all for the team in every opportunity he gets, so it’s no difference to me whenever I’m given an opportunity to perform, so that I can get a new contract.
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“I did mention at the start of the season that my body can still carry me until I’m 40 plus, if Buffon could do it until 45, El Hadary could do it until 44, who I am at the age of 36 to entertain the fact that someone has an idea that Itu must retire, then I must also entertain that idea.
“The club might have released a statement, well-respected but at the end of the day, I’m competing. “I’ve been playing and it will depend on my performances and come end of the season we will look at the stats, we will look at what I can still contribute going forward.
“And that’s is when they can make another decision, in the past, goalkeepers and players have retired and then come out of retirement to come back and compete again, so it’s no different (to his situation). I am still playing and I want to continue competing going forward.”