Kaizer Chiefs must urgently find a long-term replacement for legendary goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune if they are to end their ongoing struggles in South African football, according to former Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana striker Katlego Mphela.
Khune, who left Chiefs in 2023 after more than 20 years of service, remains a glaring absence in the squad — not just for his shot-stopping ability, but for his leadership, which Mphela believes has never been adequately replaced.
Now, with Amakhosi chasing a top-four finish in the DStv Premiership and still alive in the Nedbank Cup, the pressure is mounting for a revival of the club’s former dominance — something Mphela insists won’t happen unless Chiefs address the leadership vacuum.
“The leadership is not enough at Kaizer Chiefs,” Mphela told iDiski Times.
“When you have someone like Khune leave the club — a big personality, an important member of the squad — you need to replace him with the same quality or someone who’s going to step in and have those leadership qualities.”
Chiefs’ dip in consistency has seen them drift away from the title race in recent seasons, and they currently sit outside the top four in the league standings.
According to Mphela, their lack of direction on the pitch is not just a tactical issue, but one of missing personalities and strong voices.
“That’s a problem,” Mphela added. “They need to push this season and see where they end up.
“Obviously, they’ll want to be in the top four, so hopefully they get there — but with the inconsistency, I don’t see them even reaching the top four.”
Life After Khune: Ntwari Steps In
Following Khune’s exit, Chiefs signed Rwanda international goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari from TS Galaxy. The 24-year-old has since joined the battle for the No.1 jersey alongside Bruce Bvuma and Brandon Petersen.
However, the trio has yet to fully establish a commanding presence that can replicate the influence Khune held both on and off the pitch.
Khune, a multiple league and cup winner with Chiefs, captained the side during several of its most successful campaigns. His departure in 2023 marked the end of an era — but the question remains whether Chiefs have truly moved forward since.
Despite their league form being far from convincing, Chiefs still have a strong shot at silverware this season. The Soweto giants are in the latter stages of the Nedbank Cup and could lift their first major domestic title since 2015.
Still, Mphela’s message is clear: success will only return to Naturena once a leader of Khune’s calibre is found — and the club re-establishes an identity rooted in both talent and leadership.
