Kaizer Chiefs stalwart Itumeleng Khune has turned heads – not just with his ambitions off the pitch, but also with a surprising show of support for rivals Orlando Pirates ahead of the Nedbank Cup final.
Bafana Dreams and Buccaneers Praise
As one of the country’s most decorated goalkeepers, Khune is now looking toward a future beyond the posts. He’s openly expressed interest in joining the Bafana Bafana technical team as a goalkeeper coach, confident that his wealth of experience could greatly benefit the national side. “Hopefully, the doors will open,” said Khune. “I will take that opportunity when it comes and help transfer my skills to the future goalkeepers of South Africa.”
But perhaps even more attention-grabbing was his bold prediction during the Nedbank Cup’s Agree or Disagree challenge, where he backed the Buccaneers to clinch a third consecutive title. In the spirited debate, Khune and a passionate Pirates fan went head-to-head on some of Mzansi’s biggest football questions.
Defending Pirates and His Legacy
Despite his long-standing allegiance to Kaizer Chiefs, Khune didn’t hesitate to praise Pirates’ form. When asked if they would win three Nedbank Cups in a row, both Khune and the fan agreed, with the goalkeeper saying the Buccaneers have the right blend of talent and momentum to pull it off. Coming from a legend who spent nearly two decades donning Amakhosi colours, it was a moment that drew plenty of attention online.
Stuart Baxter – The Greatest?
The debate also touched on the legacy of Stuart Baxter at Kaizer Chiefs. Khune firmly believes the former coach deserves top honours, saying: “I strongly agree because he won four trophies with Chiefs, and I played under him.” A fan challenged that view, suggesting Baxter simply benefitted from a strong squad and even joked that Khune may have been a favourite. Khune didn’t let it slide, defending his rise through merit: “It wasn’t about favourites – it was about working hard and earning your place.”
Grobler or Shalulile?
Another lively debate topic saw both men agree on SuperSport United striker Bradley Grobler being a better finisher than Mamelodi Sundowns’ Peter Shalulile. Khune admitted Grobler always seems to find the net against him – a tongue-in-cheek nod to their many clashes over the years.
The Baloyi Comparison
When asked whether Brian Baloyi was better than Khune, the Pirates fan offered a surprising answer, declaring Khune the superior goalkeeper and even saying he should take up the Bafana Bafana coaching role. A visibly moved Khune responded with humility, reinforcing his desire to mentor the country’s next generation of shot-stoppers.
Itumeleng Khune’s Future Beyond the Goalposts
While Pirates will relish the support from such an iconic rival figure, Khune’s comments also shine a light on his evolving role in South African football. As his playing career winds down, he’s already positioning himself for the next chapter – one that could see him shaping the future of Bafana Bafana from the sidelines.
Whether or not Pirates go on to lift the Nedbank Cup again, Khune has already proven that legends can look beyond club colours when it comes to the game’s bigger picture.
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