Itumeleng Khune has long been touted as one of the best goalkeepers in Mzansi, and rightly so. Over the years, he has established himself as Kaizer Chiefs' No. 1, but what exactly is the breakdown of Amakhosi's goalkeeper history since his first season with them in 2006?
Since Rowen Fernandez's exit from the team in 2007, Khune has competed with many great goalkeepers for that spot in the first XI. Here is how he has become the club's undisputed No. 1 goalkeeper.
Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeping department in the past nine years based purely on league appearances:
2006/07
Rowen Fernandez – 30 appearances, 32 goals conceded
Itumeleng Khune – no appearances
2007/08
Itumeleng Khune – 27 appearances, 18 goals conceded
Emile Baron – 4 appearances, 2 goals conceded
2008/09
Itumeleng Khune – 26 appearances, 25 goals conceded
Emile Baron – 4 appearances, 7 goals conceded
2009/10
Arthur Bartman – 18 appearances, 16 goals conceded
Itumeleng Khune – 11 appearances, 9 goals conceded
Thela Ngobeni – 1 appearance, 1 goal conceded
Kabelo Metsimetsi – 1 appearance, 4 goals conceded
2010/11
Itumeleng Khune – 28 appearances, 22 goals conceded
Arthur Bartman – 2 appearances, 3 goals conceded
2011/12
Itumeleng Khune – 19 appearances, 19 goals conceded
Arthur Bartman – 13 appearances, 9 goals conceded
2012/13
Itumeleng Khune – 29 appearances, 25 goals conceded
Brilliant Khuzwayo – 1 appearance, 0 goals conceded
2013/14
Itumeleng Khune – 26 appearances, 17 goals conceded
Reyaad Pieterse – 4 appearances, 6 goals conceded
Brilliant Khuzwayo – 1 appearance, 0 goals conceded
2014/15
Brilliant Khuzwayo – 16 appearances, 10 conceded
Itumeleng Khune – 10 appearances, 4 goals conceded
Reyaad Pieterse – 5 appearances, 3 goals conceded
2015/16
Itumeleng Khune – 3 appearances, 2 goals conceded
As one can see, Khune has gradually eased himself into becoming the first choice between the sticks, and the only reason why he missed matches in the past two to three seasons is because of injury.
What do you make of Khune's continuous presence in poles?
