Kaizer Chiefs have announced that they will honour veteran goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune for his 25 years of service at the club when they host Polokwane City at the FNB Stadium on Saturday.
Amakhosi will lock horns against Polokwane City in what will be their final home game of what was a disappointing DStv Premiership campaign for the Soweto giants.
Khune, 36, is a stalwart of South African football and the most decorated player in the history of the Glamour Boys club.
Arrived at club as a youngster in 1999
The former Bafana Bafana star has been a pillar of strength for Chiefs for over two decades. He arrived as a youngster from Ventersdorp, in the North West, back in 1999.
Famously known for his flamboyant distribution skill and leadership on and off the field, Khune started in the Chiefs youth development academy. He was then promoted to the senior team at the start of the 2004/2005 season.
Khune spent five years in the youth structures and is currently in his record-setting 20th season with the senior team.
“The game against Polokwane City will not only be a crucial match for Kaizer Chiefs, with three vital points at stake. [It will also be] a poignant moment for fans to celebrate the career of a true legend of the game in South Africa,” Chiefs said in a statement.
However, the veteran shot-stopper had the toughest final season at Amakhosi. This after the club stripped him off his captaincy and suspended him from all club activities. He was penalised for allegedly arriving at training under the influence of alcohol in December.
His ban was lifted days before the Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates in March. This was after spending three months on the sidelines.
The Glamour Boys will wrap up the campaign against the now relegate Cape Town Spurs at the Athlone Stadium next week Saturday.
Chiefs will be desperate to end the season on a positive note and win their last two games. This in their quest to finish the season inside the top eight.
Itumeleng Khune club honours:
Premier Soccer League (3): 2004–05, 2012–13, 2014–2015;
ABSA Cup/Nedbank Cup (2): 2006, 2013, 2014;
Coca-Cola Cup/Telkom Knockout (4): 2004, 2007, 2009, 2010; and
SAA Supa 8/MTN 8 (3): 2006, 2008, 2014.
Individual honours:
PSL Footballer of the Year 2012–2013;
PSL Players’ Player of the Season 2007–08, 2012–2013;
PSL Club Rookie of the Year 2007–2008;
SA Sports Awards Sportsman of the Year 2013;
SA Sports Awards Newcomer of the Year 2008;
Telkom Knockout Player of the Tournament 2007;
Telkom Knockout Goalkeeper of the Tournament 2007;
Premier Soccer League Goalkeeper of the Season 2007–08, 2012–2013, 2013–2014;
Kaizer Chiefs Player of the Season 2007–08, 2012–2013;
Kaizer Chiefs Player’s Player of the Season 2007–08, 2012–2013; and
Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament 2013.
