FILE PHOTO: Itumeleng Khune is at the crossroads as his future with Kaizer Chiefs has hit a speed bump after his suspension. PICTURE: Tebogo Letsie
0 
0 JOHANNESBURG: The Naturena-based club has removed the 36-year-old as a captain.
Kaizer Chiefs has taken stern actions against veteran goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune, chief among which is a form of suspension. This followed an investigation that the club had instituted into his alleged misconduct, followed by a rigorous disciplinary process, according to a statement released by the club on 7 December 2023.
In addition to his suspension, the Naturena-based club has removed the 36-year-old as a captain. The story has it that the former Bafana Bafana captain arrived at training under the influence of alcohol.
The club, however, did not divulge the details that led to his investigation and the foregoing sanctions thereof, thereby giving rise to an adage that where there is smoke there is fire. Rather, it has released a vague statement on what Khune, who has been separated from the playing squad, did and when he will be back.
“As a club that upholds the highest levels of professionalism, in which discipline forms a key component, Kaizer Chiefs initiated an internal investigation after incidents involving Khune came to our attention,” says the club. “The investigation,” it continues, “was essential for ensuring the proper functioning and Unity within our team.”
As part of the punitive measures meted out against him, the shot-stopper has to attend and participate in programmes that are designed to support his personal growth and development and he has to meet certain expectations before he could return to the team, revealed the club.
The news of Khune’s suspension comes at a critical time in his illustrious career as he is in the final months of his contract. This could signal that his days as a player at Naturena are numbered.
Interestingly, he has expressed his wish to play above the age of 40, claiming that his body can carry him. Going forward, Chiefs will have to make do without Khune, who had just reclaimed his place in the starting berth, thanks to Brandon Peterson’s series of costly howlers, and captained the team, but he has now let all that hard work to go down the drain.
About Author
