Menzi Magubane
Last season Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng “Spiderkid” Khune endured one of his worst spells at the club since making his debut in 2007.
The former Bafana Bafana number one dropped down the pecking order and was subsequently relegated from the bench to the stands. His recent lack of form saw him making just one appearance last season.
Having learned so many goalkeeping skills from the likes of Brian “Spiderman” Baloyi and Rowen Fernandez, Khune seems to have lost his way at Amakhosi.
His former teammate Baloyi feels that the 34-year-old needs to see a specialist.
“I know as black folks we don’t believe much in psychology, but I think Khune needs a psychologist,” said Baloyi.
“He’s got the time now. If he invests in the right treatment now, by the time the next season starts he will have done a lot of work.”
Khune is one of the most decorated players in South African football, having played 91 matches for Bafana Bafana including the 2010 Fifa World Cup and in the Africa Cup of Nations in 2008 and 2013.
At Chiefs he has made 266 appearances so far and won a number of trophies with the club.
Baloyi feels that Khune can still play a big part for Amakhosi despite his age but he will need to man up.
“We know the talent Itu has but it has to come from believing that he still has what it takes for him to make it. I don’t understand why he let himself lose so many years. It is the most important years in your career as a goalkeeper,” he said.
“To have wasted so much after having such a beautiful career is an injustice.”
Last week Amakhosi released about 10 senior players and Khune survived the chop.
Clearly new coach Arthur Zwane still believes his experience could help the new technical team achieve the club’s goals for the coming season.
Last week Khune attended Fifa’s goalkeeper coaching workshop that was at the Safa Technical Centre.
Image source: @AfricaTopSports
