After two decades of loyal service, former Kaizer Chiefs captain Itumeleng Khune faced a heart-wrenching reality—his contract with the club would not be renewed.
In a candid moment, Khune shared the emotional toll this decision took on him, revealing that he spent two consecutive weeks confined to bed, overcome with tears and disbelief.
A New Chapter in Business
Speaking during the announcement of his involvement with Topbet, a betting company where he now holds a shareholder role, Khune shared his journey beyond football.
While he builds a future in business, Khune admits the transition hasn’t been easy, especially after the Chiefs confirmed his departure.
The club offered him the option to consider a new role within their setup or to leave entirely—a decision he is still weighing carefully.
Facing the Emotional Aftermath
The news was a harsh blow, especially for a player whose identity and career have been deeply intertwined with Kaizer Chiefs.
Khune admitted that processing the reality of not being part of the club’s future plans left him feeling devastated.
“I stayed in bed for two straight weeks, crying every day,” he confessed, describing the difficulty of accepting that his long-standing journey with the Chiefs was coming to an end.
Dreams of Extending His Playing Career
Despite the setback, Khune remains determined to continue his career on the field.
Reflecting on his desire to play into his 40s, he drew inspiration from other legendary goalkeepers, such as Egypt’s Essam El-Hadary and Italy’s Gianluigi Buffon, who have extended their playing careers well beyond traditional retirement age.
“It’s not easy to prepare for moments like these,” he said. “You never think it will happen to you, especially when you’re focused on reaching new milestones.”
Locally, Khune cited fellow players like Denis Onyango and Washington Arubi as motivation to keep pushing forward.
He maintains that he’s staying in top shape and insists that his passion for the game hasn’t waned, signaling that he’s not ready to walk away from playing just yet.
Respect for Chiefs’ Decision but Struggling to Accept
While Khune respects the club’s decision and appreciated the opportunity to discuss it face-to-face, he admits it wasn’t easy to hear.
“I was given the respect to sit down and hear their plans, but it was still hard to digest that I wasn’t in them as a player,” he shared.
For Khune, who has spent over a decade as a pillar of Chiefs’ defense, the news marked an unexpected chapter in his journey.
What Lies Ahead?
As Khune weighs his next steps, he remains hopeful for opportunities to continue his playing career.
His dedication to football and his unyielding drive to stay fit suggest that Khune isn’t done yet.
Whether he returns in a different role within Kaizer Chiefs or pursues another path, he seems ready to face whatever the future holds with resilience and resolve.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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