The ex-Glamour Boys coach has denied allegations suggesting that the legendary goalkeeper was not afforded the opportunity to showcase his undeniable talent abroad.
During the pinnacle of his career, European teams pursued Itumeleng Khune, a fact affirmed by former Kaizer Chiefs coach Muhsin Ertugral.
Ertugral also acknowledged Siphiwe Tshabalala as another player with the potential for a successful international career. However, unforeseen circumstances, particularly the 2010 World Cup hosted in South Africa, thwarted Khune’s prospects of playing in England, Turkey, or Germany.
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Ertugral’s Comments:
“I remember… when he played in the [2010] World Cup when I was analysing for the Turkish team, and everybody, even from Germany, from Italy, in France were talking ‘Wow! I have never seen a goalkeeper do that’, and it was at that time like revolutionary 2010,” Ertugral told iDiski Times.
“[They had] never seen goalkeepers that precise in his build-up process. I think it’s been too much minimised about Itu’s possibility, that it was world-class.
“Itu was a bit unlucky on the height. So this is genetics. If he had been one head taller, he would have played in England or Germany,” he continued.
“I mean, I was in Turkey with Sivasspor at that time. Remember, before the World Cup, and we made an offer to Kaizer Chiefs, we wanted Itu and [Siphiwe] Tshabalala at that time to go to Sivasspor. and it was good money that they offered Kaizer Chiefs. Both were sitting between the lines because the World Cup was coming up.
“People were saying that Shabba and Itu didn’t have opportunities – no they had opportunities to go, they would have played in the Turkish Premier League. Unfortunately, at the time the World Cup came between,” the 64-year-old continued.
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Reflecting on Itumeleng Khune’s Legacy at Kaizer Chiefs
During his tenure in South Africa, Khune achieved significant success, clinching the Premier Soccer League title thrice, along with three Nedbank Cups, four Telkom Knockout trophies, and three MTN8 titles.
However, it’s been nearly a decade since he last secured a trophy with the Glamour Boys, leading to mounting pressure on the team.
As the longest-serving active player in the PSL at 37 years old, it remains uncertain whether Khune will receive a contract extension at Amakhosi once his current deal expires at the end of the season.
Looking Forward: Kaizer Chiefs’ Next Steps
Content: Following a season without securing a trophy, Amakhosi are now focused on securing qualification for the CAF Champions League in the upcoming season.
Khune, eager for a return to the first team, aims to bounce back after facing suspension due to a disciplinary breach at the end of 2023.
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