Retired former Kaizer Chiefs star and now football analyst Junior Khanye says that he is not bitter that he has been left out of the Chiefs Legends squad that will face Bloemfontein Celtic.
Amakhosi and Siwelele will square off in the newly launched Toyota Cup in Bloemfontein on July 28.
The Legends’ match will serve as a curtain-raiser for the Chiefs’ pre-season friendly match against the Young Africans from Tanzania.
Both matches will be played at the Free State Stadium on the same day.
The Chiefs announced their squad to face Siwelele, and Khanye was a notable absentee from the line-up of legendary Chiefs stars.
Khanye’s former teammates — Jabu Mahlangu, Cyril Nzama, David Radebe, Collins Mbesuma and Stanton Fredericks — to mention a few — have been included in the line-up.
Khanye, who has turned into one of the most followed and listened-to football analysts, has been rather vocal and scathing in the way he criticises his former club.
He was criticised for unfairly using the Chiefs as a rung on the ladder to success in terms of analysing situations both on and off the pitch.
After his career was cut short by living life on the fast lane, Khanye was down and out for a while.
Chiefs gave me a platform to shine
“I am not bitter at all. The Chiefs are like my second home, and I have nothing against the club,” Khanye told Sunday World.
“They gave me a platform to play the game and to make a name for myself and I will always be thankful for that.
“They have their reasons for not picking me, but I am also busy with a number of projects that I am involved with.
“I am now focusing on my businesses. My TV show, Junior Khanye: Fixing the Game, is screening for the first time on Thursday on [DStv] channel 163. I am also busy with a podcast.”
Khanye continued: “Junior Khanye, Khohlwa, will be launched soon. I am also invited to play in the Celebrity Games in Tsakane [east of Johannesburg] alongside Big Zulu, Cassper Nyovest, Sjava, DJ Tira, and other big names from maskandi, gqom, and gospel music.
“So, I have a lot of initiatives, and I am focusing on them and my family.
“But if Chiefs approach me, I will gladly accept and play for the Legends’ team. Football is in my blood; I train all the time and I eat and live football. I will never say no to Chiefs.
“I was just doing my job and telling the truth as it is in my analysis. I just speak my mind, and I am not scared to say what I think or see. There’s nothing bad between me and the club.”
Chiefs Legends squad:
Goalkeepers: Brian Baloyi, Tladi Mathibe
Defenders: Cyril Nzama, Bevin Fransman, Morgan Gould, Tsepo Masilela, Derrick Spencer, and Fabian McCarthy
Midfielders: Siphiwe Tshabalala, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Willard Katsande, Josta Dladla, Thuso Phala, Mandla Masango, Jabu Mahlangu, and Stanton Fredericks
Forwards: David Radebe, Colins Mbesuma, and Bernard Parker
Coach: Thabo Mooki
