Legendary former Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs captain Itumeleng Khune has selected his all-time best five goalkeepers who participated in the Nedbank Cup. At the peak of his career, the Ventersdorp-born goalkeeper was dubbed ‘Mzansi’s Number 1’.
The 37-year-old won the Nedbank Cup with Amakhosi in 2013. Khune, who debuted for the Glamour Boys in 2004, believes he has earned his number one position rightfully. Understandably, in the realm of legendary goalkeepers, few names resonate with as much reverence within local football as Khune.
In an exciting blind ranking challenge alongside Zenande Funani, Khune ranked five of South Africa’s top goalkeepers while remaining unaware of the names beforehand.
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After initially placing Bafana captain Ronwen Williams at number 1, the former Chiefs skipper didn’t flinch when his name was revealed as the last keeper in the blind ranking. Without hesitation, he bumped the Mamelodi Sundowns goalie down to second place and claimed the top spot for himself.
When asked why he ranked himself as South Africa’s best, ‘Itu’ said he “worked hard, won trophies, and made my mark in South African football.” He went on to say he respected “all the other great keepers on the list, but I’ve earned my place at number 1.”
WHO ARE KHUNE’S TOP FIVE GOALKEEPERS
Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs) – Nedbank Cup winner (2013)
Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns) – Nedbank Cup winner (2011, 2016 and 2017)
Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns) – Nedbank Cup winner (2015, 2020 and 2022)
Moeneeb Josephs (Orlando Pirates) – Nedbank Cup winner (2011)
Elvis Chepezeze (Magesi FC)
Meanwhile, keepers in this year’s Nedbank Cup will make crucial saves to contribute to the competition prize pool. Interestingly, every save made in the Nedbank Cup adds R10 000 to the JustSave prize pool, and every goal scored adds R20 000 to the MiGoals Plus prize pool.
So far, the current prize pool is at an impressive R2.6 million. The tournament enters the semi-final stage next month, with Orlando Pirates set to take on Durban City. Kaizer Chiefs will face the winner between Sundowns and Sekhukhune United.