When it comes to legendary goalkeepers, few names in South African football command as much respect as Itumeleng Khune. The Kaizer Chiefs veteran recently made headlines by confidently claiming the title of the country’s best shot-stopper.
Blind Ranking Challenge Sparks Debate
In a blind ranking challenge with Zenande Funani, Khune was tasked with ranking five of South Africa’s finest goalkeepers—without knowing all the names in advance. As the list unfolded, he placed Bafana Bafana’s first-choice keeper, Ronwen Williams, at number one. However, when Khune’s own name appeared as the final goalkeeper, he wasted no time in adjusting the ranking, moving Williams to second and placing himself at the top.
When asked about his decision, Khune responded with unwavering confidence:
“I’ve worked hard, won trophies, and made my mark in South African football. I respect all the other great keepers on the list, but I’ve earned my place at number one!”
Itumeleng Khune Rankings
- Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs) – Nedbank Cup winner (2013)
- Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns) – Nedbank Cup winner (2011, 2016, 2017)
- Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns) – Nedbank Cup winner (2015, 2020, 2022)
- Moeneeb Josephs (Orlando Pirates) – Nedbank Cup winner (2011)
- Elvis Chipezeze (Magesi FC)
Fans React to Khune’s Bold Statement
Khune’s ranking has divided opinions among football fans. Some fully support his confidence, with one fan stating, “Khune ke Messi wa di goalkeeper mo South Africa” (Khune is the Messi of goalkeepers in South Africa). Others believe he was being too generous to himself, arguing that Williams or even former Bafana star Andre Arendse deserved the top spot.
Nedbank Cup Legacy and South Africa’s Goalkeeping Future
Khune’s self-assured ranking is backed by his legacy in South African football. Having lifted the Nedbank Cup with Kaizer Chiefs in 2013, he understands what it takes to win on the country’s biggest cup stage. His involvement in the Nedbank Cup’s Goals vs Saves campaign highlights the vital role goalkeepers play, with every save adding R10,000 to the JustSave prize pool and every goal contributing R20,000 to the MiGoals Plus pool.
Is South Africa Facing a Goalkeeping Crisis?
Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has raised concerns over South Africa’s goalkeeping crisis, with a lack of young talent emerging to replace experienced names like Williams, Veli Mothwa, and Ricardo Goss. Broos has suggested that the PSL should consider a rule similar to Egypt’s, which bans foreign goalkeepers to promote local talent development.
With South Africa’s World Cup qualifiers on the horizon, the national team will rely heavily on Williams. However, as the debate continues, one thing remains certain—Khune is far from ready to give up his claim as the country’s best goalkeeper.
Related article: South African Goalkeepers Shortage: Are Foreign Shotstoppers Blocking Local Talent?
