Legendary Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune has broken his silence following the unexpected public apology issued by former Amakhosi youngster Thabo Mokoena during a live national radio interview.
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Mokoena’s emotional message on Sports Night Amplified caught many by surprise, particularly as he did not elaborate on what he was apologising for.
Now, Khune has responded with a heartfelt statement, offering clarity on the matter and shedding light on a personal betrayal that deeply affected him and his family.
Speaking directly to Soccer Laduma, Khune revealed how he once took Mokoena under his wing during their time together at Chiefs. The goalkeeper saw potential in the young centre-back, likening him to former club stalwart Tefu Mashamaite, and even went as far as inviting him into his home.
“I saw potential in him, and I genuinely wanted to help,” Khune said.
“From then on, I made it my responsibility to look after him — driving him to training, giving him a place to stay, even making sure there was an extra plate at dinner every time. He had his own room at our house, and we opened our home to him with nothing but love and good intentions.”
However, things took a dark turn. Khune revealed that personal memorabilia from his time with Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs began disappearing from his home — items of deep sentimental value.
The disappearance was only discovered after a visit from his in-laws, who noticed disturbances in the upstairs cupboards. Khune and his wife Siphelele, who rarely venture to that part of the house, were left shocked at the loss.
Khune further disclosed that Mokoena had also been borrowing money from multiple players, using the same photo of groceries to seek financial help from different teammates.
“It hurt. Not just because he stole from me and others, but because I really cared. That’s what makes the betrayal hard to swallow. He was part of our family.”
Regarding the apology, Khune expressed that he holds no grudges and has made peace in his heart. However, he emphasised the importance of taking full responsibility when seeking forgiveness.
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"Now, about the apology. I’ve accepted it in my heart. I hold no grudges. But I do believe if you’re truly sorry, you take full responsibility. Don’t apologise and then claim you didn’t do anything. That’s not how healing works. And unfortunately, I don’t have a way to contact him directly because he doesn’t have a phone."
Khune concluded his message by highlighting the personal toll such incidents take on professional athletes — who, beyond the pitch, face the same challenges, heartbreaks, and emotional trials as anyone else.
“I’m not sharing this story to bring anyone down,” he said.
“I just want people to understand that athletes, like anyone else, go through real-life issues behind the scenes. But we move forward with lessons learned and our heads held high.”
