Johannesburg – The curtain has fallen on Itumeleng Khune's illustrious 25-year career at Kaizer Chiefs, with the legendary goalkeeper set to trade his gloves for a suit and tie in a new role within the club.
Khune's departure from the playing field was confirmed when new coach Nasreddine Nabi left him out of the travelling squad for the club's pre-season training camp in Turkey. This decision, coupled with the club's earlier announcement that last season was Khune's final as captain, marked the end of an era for the Amakhosi faithful.
"The head of marketing Jessica Motaung, has been out of town and when she returns, they will then sit down and resolve Khune’s situation," a club insider revealed.
"Itu has been at Chiefs for more than 20 years and he is now part of the family. He is very close with club bosses, the Motaung family and he served the club with distinction."
While Khune was initially touted to transition into a coaching role within the club's development ranks, it appears that the club has opted for a different path for their beloved former captain. Insiders have revealed that Khune will be joining the marketing department, working closely with marketing manager Jessica Motaung.
"The problem here is the salary. He could have left but he loves Chiefs with his whole heart, and he did not want to look for another club elsewhere, even though he still wanted to play for a couple of seasons. It was a catch-22 situation because if he left, he would have ruined a legacy and it was going to be very difficult for him to go back to Chiefs when he retired, had he broken the 25-year spell he’s had with the club. It’s either he takes up that position [with a salary cut] or he leaves the club," another informant shared.
This decision has sparked much debate, with many questioning the financial implications of Khune's move to the marketing department.
"He was one of the biggest earners in the country and he will have to take a massive salary cut," the informant added.
"The problem with football is that salaries work from top to bottom. They start with high salaries and then towards the end of their careers, they have to settle for way too less – unlike in the corporate world where you start with a smaller salary and the more experience you get, the higher the remuneration becomes."
"He could have left but he loves Chiefs with his whole heart," the informant said.
Earlier this year, Jessica Motaung acknowledged the club's ongoing discussions with Khune regarding his future.
"We are having discussions with him and he is part of the family. After 25 years he is like a little brother to me," she said.
Khune's impact on Kaizer Chiefs extends far beyond the pitch. He has been a driving force behind the club's success, both on and off the field. His dedication and commitment have earned him the admiration of fans and colleagues alike.
"Itumeleng Khune will be swapping his goalkeeper gloves for swanky marketing suits and ties," a source close to the club shared.
Khune's impressive career includes close to 300 appearances for the Kaizer Chiefs first team since joining in 2004. He also represented Bafana Bafana with distinction, amassing 91 caps and featuring in the 2010 FIFA World Cup and several African Cup of Nations tournaments.
"It is still an on-going matter. There isn’t much to comment on at this moment and the club will inform the media once everything has been concluded. The discussions are still going on between the two parties," Kaizer Chiefs spokesperson Vina Maphosa told Sunday World.
While Khune's playing days may be over, his legacy at Kaizer Chiefs will live on. His transition to the marketing department represents a new chapter in his journey with the club, and fans are eager to see how he will contribute to the Amakhosi's success in this new role.
