Former Kaizer Chiefs Goalkeeper Itu Khune Reflects on His Career and Names Siphiwe Tshabalala as the Best Player He Has Played With in South Africa

Former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune has expressed his admiration for Bafana Bafana legend Siphiwe “Shabba” Tshabalala, calling him the best player he’s ever had the privilege of playing alongside.

Khune, who spent over a decade with Amakhosi and earned more than 300 caps for the club, shared a deep respect for Shabba’s talent both on the field and in their shared experiences with the national team.

Unstoppable in Tough Times

Khune’s appreciation for Tshabalala goes beyond just their time together at Kaizer Chiefs and with Bafana Bafana.

In an interview with iDiski Times, Khune explained that Shabba was always the player to rely on when the going got tough.

“You could always count on him when the chips were down for either Chiefs or Bafana.

I knew that Siphiwe would make a plan. He used to carry the club, and I’m honoured and privileged to have shared the field with him,” Khune said.

Admiring the ‘Short Guy with Dreadlocks’

Khune also reflected on his recent experience with Tshabalala, recalling a moment during a Dream Drive shoot with him and Happy Jele for the Derby Kings.

He looked at Shabba, amazed by the same player who had once caused havoc on the field by effortlessly evading multiple defenders.

“I kept on asking myself, you know, this short guy with dreadlocks is the one who used to give players problems.

He used to have about five, six defenders marking him, but he would leave them for dead and hit the back of the net,” Khune added.

A Midfielder with a Killer Instinct

Despite not being a striker, Tshabalala’s ability to take on defenders and score goals made him exceptional. “He wasn’t a striker.

He was a midfielder, but I knew as soon as I gave him the ball, he’d take them on.

You can go back and watch all his goals, and you will see he was something special,” Khune said with evident pride.

Khune’s Impressive Career with Chiefs and Bafana Bafana

Khune’s career includes over 300 appearances for Kaizer Chiefs and 92 caps for Bafana Bafana.

He represented South Africa in one FIFA World Cup and two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, showcasing his dedication to the game and his country.