Legendary goalkeeper and South African football icon Itumeleng Khune is set to be honoured by Kaizer Chiefs for 25 years of service to the Soweto giants.
Chiefs said in an official statement on Thursday that the club will pay tribute to Khune who has spent an incredible 25 years at the club since graduating from the academy.
The 35-year-old will be honoured at Chiefs’ final home match of the current DStv Premiership campaign against Polokwane City at FNB Stadium.
“With the Club intent on thanking our fanbase for their loyal support by finishing the season on a positive note, Kaizer Chiefs fans have another good reason to flock to FNB Stadium this Saturday, 18 May, with legendary goalkeeper, Itumeleng Khune, set to be honoured ahead of the team’s final home match of the campaign,” a statement said.
“The fixture against Polokwane City promises to be an emotional and celebratory one as the Club, teammates and supporters say thank you to one of the most decorated players in Chiefs’ history.
“Khune, a stalwart of South African football, has been a pillar of strength for Kaizer Chiefs for over two decades, having arrived as a youngster from Ventersdorp, in the North West, back in 1999. Known for his exceptional goalkeeping skills and leadership on and off the field, Khune started in the Kaizer Chiefs Youth Development Academy before being promoted to the senior team at the start of the 2004/05 season.
“Khune spent five years in the youth structures and is currently in his record-setting 20th season with the senior team.
“Supporters in Gauteng, and those from further afield who are able to travel, are encouraged to come in large numbers to show appreciation for Khune’s contributions to the Amakhosi cause. The game against Polokwane City will not only be a crucial match for Kaizer Chiefs, with three vital points at stake, but also a poignant moment for fans to celebrate the career of a true legend of the game in South Africa.
“Saturday’s match will be the penultimate outing for the Glamour Boys, who wrap up the season in Cape Town against Cape Town Spurs on 25 May.
“Kaizer Chiefs supporters and football fans are invited to join us at FNB Stadium on Saturday to witness the team’s final home game of 2023/24 and to honour Khune’s remarkable legacy with the Club.
“The important match, which Is a must-win for Amakhosi will kick off at 15:00 at FNB Stadium.”
Itumeleng Khune honours:
Premier Soccer League (3): 2004–05, 2012–13, 2014–15
ABSA Cup/Nedbank Cup (2): 2006, 2013, 2014
Coca-Cola Cup/Telkom Knockout (4): 2004, 2007, 2009, 2010
SAA Supa 8/MTN 8 (3): 2006, 2008, 2014,
Individual
PSL Footballer of the Year 2012–13
PSL Players’ Player of the Season 2007–08, 2012–13
PSL Club Rookie of the Year 2007–08
SA Sports Awards Sportsman of the Year 2013
SA Sports Awards Newcomer of the Year 2008
Telkom Knockout Player of the Tournament 2007
Telkom Knockout Goalkeeper of the Tournament 2007
Premier Soccer League Goalkeeper of the Season 2007–08, 2012–13,2013–14
Kaizer Chiefs Player of the Season 2007–08, 2012–13
Kaizer Chiefs Player’s Player of the Season 2007–08, 2012–13
Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament 2013
Khune to be Honoured for 25 Years of Service on Saturday
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) May 16, 2024
Itumeleng Khune is set to be honoured ahead of the team’s final home match of the season.
The fixture against Polokwane City promises to be an emotional and celebratory one as the Club, teammates and supporters say thank… pic.twitter.com/2zhN2ezsRs
