KAIZER CHIEFS: Cavin Johnson urges supporters to recognise Itumeleng Khune’s legendary status amid uncertainty over future

Khune is facing an uncertain future with Chiefs signalling that they intend to phase the long-serving goalkeeper into a non-playing role within the club.

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The 36-year-old himself though, has signalled that he has no intention of leaving the club, and that it is not the end of his playing career despite limited playing time in the 2023/24 DStv Premiership campaign.

While remaining non-committal on Khune’s future, Johnson urged supporters to recognise our legends of the game in South Africa.

“If you look anywhere in the world when a player has given 25 years [of service] to a particular club and in that period he has won games, lifted trophies and saved them positions then whatever [recognition] he is getting now is not what I’ve seen at other levels,” Johnson said.

“At a different level, I’ve seen people stand up when they see a man like that.

“So. that’s the status I look for him to have in the future. Is that when he walks into a stadium, people stand up and greet him.

“We don’t have that culture, unfortunately, in this country but that makes you very proud to be a legend of a team that you’ve given 25 years of your life.

“So the next time Itu walks into the stadium, you tell all the black and gold supporters to stand up.

“Then you are giving him what he deserves, legendary status.”

Speaking on his own future, Johnson remained vague on his own position if he would remain head of academy after the Soweto Giants recorded their lowest-ever league finish.

“For the moment as I sit here, as a coach I am very, very heartsore,” Johnson added.

“For the future, I am going to have to see. Right now, the most important thing is that I am not happy.”