"All hail King Khune!" This was the general sentiment in South Africa not too long ago. Who can forget what the man has done for Bafana Bafana? He once saved a David Villa penalty. He has been capped for the nation close to 75 times, he was also the second goalkeeper ever to receive a red card at the FIFA World Cup. Yet, his most recent inclusion among the nation's elite has left a few puzzled...
It is perhaps not the case that anyone thinks Khune is a bad keeper. But maybe he is coming to the end of his best days? And maybe he is no longer the best available? Some of our supporters certainly seem to think so.
"Shakes claims to be building a team for 2022, but in reality, Khune will be using walking sticks by then." – Kick-Ass.
"Why isn't Keet playing after so many matches for his team overseas?" – Mentashe.
The Kaizer Chiefs shot-stopper has been in and out of his cub side due to a host of injuries over the past couple of seasons and many feel the cracks are beginning to show.
"Shakes called up Khune, who conceded a long shot from Mabena and an MDC player from Jomo Cosmos." Soccer Laduma website user Kdowns said.
It seems South Africans are, for the first time, unsure of who their hero between the sticks is. We have always been blessed with good keepers, from the days of Andre Arendse, Hans Vonk, and Brian Baloyi to Rowen Fernandez and Moeneeb Josephs.
However, now, we don't know which hero to turn to?
Are we holding on to the glory keepers of yesteryear? Is there no new talent between the sticks? Or are we simply not looking in the right direction?