Latest news with #Khune
The Citizen
12 hours ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Khune shares his views on Kaizer Chiefs new signings
Amakhosi have announced six signings so far. Former Kaizer Chiefs captain Itumeleng Khune has called on the Amakhosi faithful to be patient with the club's new signings and give them a fair chance, particularly striker Flavio Silva. Chiefs have bolstered the squad with six new additions ahead of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season. OPINION – New season, same old Kaizer Chiefs? Amakhosi have signed Paseka Mako and Thabiso Monyane from Orlando Pirates. In addition, have secured the services of left back Nkanyiso Shinga, midfielders Ethan Chislett and Siphesihle Ndlovu, as well as striker Flávio Silva. While the other players seemed to have adapted quicker to the club's playing style under coach Nasreddine Nabi, Silva has struggled to fit into the system. 'When you talk about Paseka Mako and when you talk about Thabiso Monyane, they are bringing that winning mentality from Orlando Pirates,' said Khune. 'Of course, we need to give Silva a fair turn,' Khune added. 'We only just debate him in the first games that we've seen him play, but he's definitely going to show us what he can bring to South African football.' Silva, who has faled to score in the first few outings for Chiefs during the preseason, has faced criticism with many doubting if he has the qualities to solve the goalscoring issue at Amakhosi. ALSO READ: Basadien targeting more silverware at Sundowns Khune, however, has the qualities to succeed and just needs more time to adapt. 'Strikers thrive on confidence, and he's still settling into a new environment, new teammates, and a different style of football. Let's back him,' Khune concluded.
The Citizen
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
‘My heart is full': Itumeleng Khune and his family on holiday
Khune's wife shared cute beach moments on social media, offering fans a glimpse of their quality time together with their two daughters. Soccer legend Itumeleng Khune and his family at the beach. Picture: Instagram/@ laaylaymak Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune and his wife, Sphelele Makhunga, are soaking up the sun on a family getaway. Sphelele shared photos and videos of the couple and their children enjoying time at the beach. 'God is great. My heart is full,' she captioned the post, keeping the location of their vacation private. ALSO READ: Thembi Seete stuns in white bikini during luxurious Mauritius getaway [PICS] Over half a decade of bliss Khune and Sphelele have been married for more than five years, with Khune reportedly paying lobola in 2019. In 2022, they celebrated their union with a traditional wedding ceremony. The pair have two daughters together: their firstborn, Amogelang Zenande, and their second daughter, Lesedi Zenande. Last month, Sphelele penned a heartfelt message to Khune in celebration of his birthday. 'I love and appreciate the fact that we have to navigate this crazy thing called life together and our little bears. We love you wholeheartedly and cannot wait to spend a million more birthdays together,' she wrote. NOW READ: 'I'm an action woman — meetings will bore me': Gcina Mhlophe urges action at National Dialogue
The Citizen
22-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Time to move on from the Williams-Khune debate
Why is Williams judged by a different standard? The time has come to stop framing Williams' performances against Khune's legacy. Ronwen Williams will likely be the first to admit that his performance against Borussia Dortmund at the FIFA Club World Cup wasn't his finest. He made costly errors, one leading to Felix Nmecha's equaliser and another contributing to Jobe Bellingham's goal. Tired comparisons to Khune The 4-3 defeat to the German giants has opened the floodgates of criticism on social media. While the scrutiny comes with the territory for a player of his stature, the familiar and tired comparisons to Kaizer Chiefs legend Itumeleng Khune have resurfaced yet again. ALSO READ: Sundowns' Cardoso defends Williams and Mokoena after Dortmund defeat Why is it that every time Williams makes a mistake, Khune's name is dragged into the debate? It's an unproductive and frankly lazy narrative. The two are shaped by different football philosophies and under entirely different circumstances. No top goalkeeper, past or present, is immune to errors. The nature of the position means that their mistakes are magnified. However, what often goes unacknowledged is that the modern game places goalkeepers under far more pressure due to the emphasis on playing out from the back. Sundowns, like many top sides around the world, requires the goalkeeper to act as a playmaker from deep. While the system is progressive, it comes with risk. Williams is not alone in being exposed by it. The likes of Manchester City's Ederson and Liverpool's Alisson Becker, who are widely regarded as among the world's best, have also made several high-profile errors for the same reason, but their overall quality is never in question. So why is Williams judged by a different standard? The time has come to stop framing Williams' performances against Khune's legacy. They are different players in different contexts. More importantly, South African football needs to move past individual comparisons and start asking the right questions. Are we developing the next generation? What does the future of Bafana Bafana's goalkeeping look like after Williams? Just as the national team leaned heavily on Khune for years, there now appears to be a similar reliance on Williams. Are we developing the next generation? Khune was a joy to watch in his prime and often unbeatable. Williams also has shown his class at club and international level and both have made mistakes. Rather than circulating clips of their errors to score points in a tired debate, perhaps it's time to shift the conversation to what really matters, and that is the succession plan. Ronwen Williams will likely be the first to admit that his performance against Borussia Dortmund at the FIFA Club World Cup wasn't his finest. He made costly errors, one leading to Felix Nmecha's equaliser and another contributing to Jobe Bellingham's goal. The 4-3 defeat to the German giants has opened the floodgates of criticism on social media. While the scrutiny comes with the territory for a player of his stature, the familiar and tired comparisons to Kaizer Chiefs legend Itumeleng Khune have resurfaced yet again. Why is it that every time Williams makes a mistake, Khune's name is dragged into the debate? It's an unproductive and frankly lazy narrative. The two are shaped by different football philosophies and under entirely different circumstances. No goalkeeper is immune to errors No top goalkeeper, past or present, is immune to errors. The nature of the position means that their mistakes are magnified. However, what often goes unacknowledged is that the modern game places goalkeepers under far more pressure due to the emphasis on playing out from the back. Sundowns, like many top sides around the world, requires the goalkeeper to act as a playmaker from deep. While the system is progressive, it comes with risk. Williams is not alone in being exposed by it. The likes of Manchester City's Ederson and Liverpool's Alisson Becker, who are widely regarded as among the world's best, have also made several high-profile errors for the same reason, but their overall quality is never in question. So why is Williams judged by a different standard? The time has come to stop framing Williams' performances against Khune's legacy. They are different players in different contexts. More importantly, South African football needs to move past individual comparisons and start asking the right questions. What does the future of Bafana Bafana's goalkeeping look like after Williams? Just as the national team leaned heavily on Khune for years, there now appears to be a similar reliance on Williams. Are we developing the next generation? ALSO READ: OPINION: Cardoso's Zwane U-Turn raises more questions than answers Khune was a joy to watch in his prime and often unbeatable. Williams also has shown his class at club and international level and both have made mistakes. Rather than circulating clips of their errors to score points in a tired debate, perhaps it's time to shift the conversation to what really matters, and that is the succession plan.
The South African
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Old not cold? Khune celebrates birthday en route to Clash of Legends
Former Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs star Itumeleng Khune is celebrating his 38th birthday in style – en route to the exciting Clash of the Legends soccer match in Botswana on Saturday, 21 June. The retired goalkeeper hung up his boots last year and has ventured into a new career in construction and sports betting. Four countries will play in the one-day tournament – South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Zambia. SA will take on Zambia, while Botswana will play Namibia. The winners will face off against each other in the final later in the evening. On his social media account, Itumeleng Khune marked his 38th birthday with exciting news. The popular player revealed that he was en route to catch a flight for a match that featured many of his old soccer colleagues. '38 Never looked this good 🎂👌 Botswana here we come', he captioned a picture of himself and his luggage. View this post on Instagram A post shared by itukhune32🇿🇦 (@itukhune32) Khune is no doubt excited to play on the pitch again – Botswana's Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown – this time for the Clash of the Legends competition. The former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper and captain is one of many living legends who will participate in the charity tournament, which will raise funds for athletes living with disabilities. Each country will select a beneficiary, which will receive proceeds on its behalf. View this post on Instagram A post shared by itukhune32🇿🇦 (@itukhune32) Apart from Itumeleng Khune, Clash of the Legends will feature this stellar line-up of golden oldies… Moeneeb Josephs Siboniso Gaxa Lucky Lekgwathi Matthew Booth Happy Jele Cyril Nzama Morgan Gould Derrick Spencer Stanton Fredericks Josta Dladla Dikgang Mabalane Katlego Mashego Lebohang Mokoena Reneilwe Letsholonyane Thuso Phala Siyabonga Nomvete Dillon Sheppard Tsepo Masilela Siphiwe Tshabalala On his Instagram account, Itumeleng Khune has given his followers a look at his next chapter, away from Kaizer Chiefs. The father-of-two has posted pictures of himself on various construction sites, wearing various PPE items. Khune told one of his followers that he was working as a health and safety officer. He's also partnered with a betting company, TopBet, in which he has shares. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
20-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Happy birthday: Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana legend Khune turns 38!
Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana legend Itumeleng Khune is celebrating his 38th birthday TODAY, 20 June. Khune, who was born on this day in 1987, arrived at Chiefs as a young boy with big dreams in 1999. He went on to serve Amakhosi for 25 uninterrupted years both as a junior and senior player until 2024. Itumeleng Khune of Kaizer Chiefs. Images via X: @kaizerchiefs At Kaizer Chiefs… Khune was first promoted to the Chiefs senior team in 2004 but he had to wait until 2007 for his breakthrough. It was Muhsin Ertugral who showed faith in Khune, and threw the then 20-year-old goalkeeper into the deep end. The Ventersdorp-born 'keeper grabbed that opportunity with both hands and never looked back. Khune single-handedly delivered several major trophies for Chiefs, including the 2008 MTN8 and 2009 Telkom Knockout Cup. He went on to become a household name in South African football, and was influential in Chiefs winning their first league title in eight years in 2013. In 2015, Khune nearly ruined his Chiefs career when he was axed alongside the likes of Tefu Mashamaite and Mandla Masango. However, he quickly came to his senses and apologised, and was welcomed back by the Amakhosi hierarchy. In July 2023, Chiefs announced that Khune's one-year extension was his final contract with them, and the beautiful journey ended in style in May 2024. He had won three league titles, two Nedbank Cup titles, three MTN8 titles, and four KO titles with the Soweto giants. Itumeleng Khune driving a Toyota sponsored Kaizer Chiefs car At Bafana Bafana… Khune made his Bafana Bafana barely a year after breaking into the professional ranks, and he went on to earn himself the nickname Mzansi's No.1. He made the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) squad but he was never given an opportunity by then coach Joel Santana. However, Khune came back stronger and won the hearts of South African football fans and made a name for himself during the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. He also played a part at the 2010 FIFA World Cup but perhaps his regrettable moment will be the red card he received against Uruguay in Bafana Bafana's second Group A match. Khune was Bafana Bafana's captain at the 2013 Afcon in South Africa, and is actually an Olympian after being included as one of three overage players for the 2016 Olympics in Rio, Brazil. No Bafana Bafana goalkeeper has been capped more than Khune (91) since the national team's re-admission in 1992. Bafana Bafana goalkeepers Ronwen Williams and Itumeleng Khune. Image: BackpagePix Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
