Former Bafana and current Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune is eager to pull himself together after the controversial reports that have tainted his image over the last couple of months. The veteran player was suspended by the Soweto-based soccer team Kaizer Chiefs in November last year after he arrived at training while intoxicated.
Despite having earned stars throughout the years the club deemed his behaviour unacceptable. In December, they released a press statement confirming he needed to participate in a series of activities that would assist him in his personal life.
In a press statement the club wrote: “During his absence, Khune will be expected to attend and actively participate in certain programmes designed to support his personal growth and development, with support from the Club.
“These programmes are specifically aimed at helping him address challenges and issues he is facing while promoting a positive team culture.”
It is said that only once he completes these programs, then will, he will be considered to return to the team. Meanwhile, the 36-year-old who has no plans to call his career quits just yet, is already hard at work to pull himself together again.
Taking to Instagram, he shared a post of himself while doing some home-based exercises and reflecting on the positives amid the chaos.
“I just look up at God and say THANK YOU 🙏🏽. Life isn’t easy but I am blessed 🤞🏼.”
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Itumeleng also recently appeared for a Carling Cup All-star team – a team selected by the fans – where he managed to silence many critics who suggested retiring, by beating the Western Cape side Stellenbosch FC. His performance was so good that it earned him a Man of the Match award.
Ahead of that game, he told reporters that he believes there’s a lot more he can achieve in football, and he won’t be retiring, just yet.
“You can never be enough as a footballer. I’ve won four Goalkeeper of the Season accolades in the country, but I feel I can still win more of that, but obviously age is not on my side anymore.
“But obviously with my experience I can still achieve more, and I will never stop believing it is still possible.”
Also see: Itumeleng Khune loses Kaizer Chiefs captaincy while suspended
