Khune urges Kaizer Chiefs to boost squad for CAF push and calls for financial fair play

Former Kaizer Chiefs captain and goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune has warned that the club must sign more high‐quality players if they are to compete seriously on multiple fronts next season, including in the CAF Confederation Cup.

The 37-year-old, who recently left Chiefs after a glittering career with the Soweto giants, said the current level of recruitment would not be enough for the demands facing the team.

So far, the club have brought in defender Thabo Moloisane and goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner, and are working to secure Stellenbosch FC winger Langelihle Phili. But Khune says that is only a start.

“The club needs to go to the market and sign good players because they will be competing in the CAF Confederation Cup,” Khune told the media on Sunday.

“They need to beef up the squad, but as we all know it is not easy for Kaizer Chiefs to sign the best players, the players they need. Unfortunately, whichever player they want, obviously the price is doubled or tripled and that is not fair.”

Call for financial fair play in South African football

Khune used the issue of inflated transfer demands for Chiefs to argue that South African football should adopt stricter financial regulations to ensure a level playing field in the Premier Soccer League.

“I think in SA football we need to introduce financial fair play because some teams are able to sign players and some are unable to,” he said.

“I think we need to revisit that clause and activate it for fairness in all 16 teams in the Premiership.”

His comments highlight a growing concern among some within the domestic game that market distortions and uneven spending power are hampering competition, especially when bigger clubs such as Chiefs inquire about top talent.

Backing Renaldo Leaner to succeed

Despite his concerns over transfer dealings, Khune warmly endorsed the arrival of former Sekhukhune United goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner, insisting he expects the 27-year-old to thrive at Naturena.

“I’m a big fan of Renaldo, and I’m proud Kaizer Chiefs went all out to get him,” Khune said.

“I will never be jealous of any goalkeeper who signs with Kaizer Chiefs. I will support the goalkeeper wholeheartedly,” he said.

“He deserves all my respect. He deserves everything that is coming for him because he has worked hard at Sekhukhune. He got Bafana Bafana call-ups and has played for the national team.”

Khune revealed that he had already been in regular contact with Leaner on social media.

“If you check my Instagram, I’ve been communicating a lot with him. I congratulated him and welcomed him to Kaizer Chiefs. He came back to me and said: ‘Legend, thank you very much.’”

‘Chiefs fans demand results’

Khune, who spent nearly two decades at the club and became one of South Africa’s most recognisable football figures, also offered Leaner advice on dealing with the expectations that come with playing for Chiefs.

“He must go out there and enjoy himself and know Kaizer Chiefs fans demand results. They want you to go out there and enjoy your football and at the same time produce results to put smiles on their faces. They will love you.”

With Chiefs aiming to rebuild after several trophyless seasons and now preparing for the added challenge of continental competition, Khune’s assessment underlines the pressure on the club’s hierarchy to strengthen the squad further before the new campaign begins.