Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed that the upcoming 2023/23 season will be the last for the club’s longest-serving player Itumeleng Khune.
Khune will retire and begin his transition into a new role coaching role at Amakhosi.
Although the 36-year-old goalkeeper’s contract was set to expire at the end of June, Chiefs decided to extend his stay for one more year and give him a taste of his future off-field responsibilities.
“Itumeleng Khune, has been handed a new contract which will see him play for Amakhosi for one final season, taking his professional career to two decades,” said the club in a statement.
“While Khune will be involved in training and preparations for matches as a player, he will also use this year to broaden his technical acumen, as he transitions into a new coaching and ambassadorial role working with the marketing division at the club.
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Record season Kaizer Chiefs
“The Ventersdorp-born goalkeeper holds the record for featuring in the- most number of successive seasons as a Kaizer Chiefs player in the PSL era (16) since his introduction in 2007, and will boost his coaching aspirations working under the returning Rainer Dinkelacker, as well as coaches Aubrey Mathibe and Rory Minnaar in the goalkeeping department.”
Amakhosi sporting director Kaizer Motaing jr was full of praise for Khune, who will retire as a club legend.
Kaizer jr played with Khune for several years at Chiefs with the ex-Bafana Bafana No1 goalie winning a number of trophies including the league title.
The veteran goalkeeper has made 423 appearances in Chiefs colours and the new season will mark his 20th in SA’s topflight, a new record for Amakhosi. He made his Chiefs debut back in 2007 against Jomo Cosmos as a 20-year-old.
“It is remarkable that Itu, at the age of 36, has been with Chiefs for over 20 years. It speaks to his love for the game, dedication, hard work and commitment because very few achieve this feat,” said Kazier jr.
“We hope that he gives it his all in this final season and shares his valuable experience with the younger players in the team.”