Last weekend, Kaizer Chiefs had paid tribute to their veteran goalkeeper, Itumeleng Khune, marking 25 years of his remarkable journey with the club.
Joining Amakhosi at the tender age of 13, Khune has evolved from a promising young talent to a cornerstone of the team's success, contributing significantly to their trophy haul over the years.Khune's professional debut, a memorable moment in the 2007/08 season against Jomo Cosmos, was the start of an era under the management of Muhsin Ertugral.
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Since then, he has firmly established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper, playing a pivotal role in securing three league titles, two MTN8 trophies, a Telkom Knockout (now known as the Carling Knockout), and a Nedbank Cup for the club. However, recent years have seen a decline in silverware for the Soweto giants, with Khune struggling with his fitness and he then eventually lost his place.
This season, the celebrated goalkeeper has been limited to just six appearances across all competitions, sparking conversations about his future in the sport. Legendary midfielder Hlompho Kekana weighed in on Khune's situation, suggesting that the revered goalkeeper should consider retirement while he still holds positive sentiments towards the game.
"He must realise and understand that he wont play forever. At this stage he finds himself in, one would say... leave the game before you start hating the game because let's be honest (he) has not played for any other team before," Kekana told SoccerZone.
Kekana, who retired with a treasure trove of fond memories, including lifting the PSL trophy, believes that Khune should aim to conclude his career on a high note.
"So, the environment means that he is used to this set-up so imagine if you think he is capable of playing for another team with a different culture, background. I'm sure he is going to stress a lot in terms of the environment.
"So, for me the thing is, the reality says the system doesn't want you anymore. So, when the system doesn't want you anymore, he needs to retire before he starts hating the game.
"You don't want to watch football one day and you hate it. If I can use myself as an example, the memories I have when I retired, I did so with the best memories," Kekana said.
The decorated midfielder used himself as a reference point where he called his career, being at the height and Kekana believes he retired with only the best of memories in mind.
"I have the best memories and I retired with those best memories and the last time I remembered playing was when I lifted the PSL trophy, so you always want to remember those (when you retire)," Kekana added, emphasizing the importance of retiring with the cherished memories of one's career.
As Chiefs and the football community celebrate Khune's 25-year legacy, the conversation around his retirement underscores the complexities athletes face as they approach the twilight of their careers. Khune's contribution to Chiefs and South African football will forever be etched in history, and his next steps, whether on or off the pitch, will be watched with keen interest by fans and fellow players alike.
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