It has always been said that goalkeepers are coaches too, and this holds some substance.
Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela has selected Itumeleng Khune as Amakhosi captain for the new season. Khune retained the armband from Siphiwe Tshabalala, who led the team for one season. The goalkeeper has been the captain of the club for some time, before losing the armband to Tefu Mashamaite two seasons ago.
A lot of Amakhosi fans have welcomed the news of Khune being the skipper, and rightly so. Khune is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in Africa. And Komphela's decision to give Itu the armband is supported by history of the Beautiful Game. Goalkeepers have always been regarded as best leaders on the field, worldwide.
Many of the best clubs are or have been captained by goalkeepers. The likes of Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Manchester United all had keepers for captains. We look at the likes of Gianluigi Buffon, Petr Cech, Iker Casillas and the likes. With goalkeepers as captains, outfield players are also relieved of the added pressure that comes with the armband.
Khune is ranked amongst the greatest goalkeepers in the world, and he is deservedly the captain of Kaizer Chiefs.
Do you think Khune can emulate some of the world’s best as a goalkeeper captain?
*This article was written by a Soccer Laduma reader and reflects their opinion, not that of Soccer Laduma.
