Kaizer Chiefs, one of South Africa’s most prominent football clubs, appears poised to bid farewell to their legendary goalkeeper, Itumeleng Khune, as reports suggest his departure from the club at the end of the current season.
The decision not to extend Khune’s contract is said to have been made by the management of the Amakhosi club, marking a significant transition for the veteran player after two decades of service.
Previously, ahead of the ongoing campaign, Kaizer Chiefs had granted Khune a one-year extension, indicating that it would be his final contract with the club.
Additionally, plans were announced to integrate him into the technical team as part of his transition to a post-football role. However, Khune’s aspirations for continued playing time appear to misalign with this trajectory.
With less than two months remaining in his landmark 20th season with the first team, Khune, at 36 years old, has expressed his desire to extend his playing career until the age of 40, a pursuit that seems likely to lead him away from Kaizer Chiefs.
The decision not to renew his contract has been further corroborated by reports from Goal SA journalist Austin Ditlhobolo, shared on social media platforms.
In the midst of Khune’s impending departure, Kaizer Chiefs officials are already looking ahead to the future, actively scouting for a suitable replacement goalkeeper.
Among the candidates under consideration is Richards Bay shot-stopper Salim Magoola, who has attracted interest not only from Kaizer Chiefs but also from SuperSport United, with the latter potentially facing the departure of Ricardo Goss.
As the curtain draws on Itumeleng Khune’s illustrious tenure with Kaizer Chiefs, the club prepares to navigate a new chapter in its storied history, with the search for a successor to the goalkeeping mantle now underway.