Throughout his career, he has earned the right to be called the best goalkeeper in the country and is rated in the top 10 by FIFA.
Itumeleng Khune Age
Itumeleng Khune Family
Football became his favourite after watching his father on the field many times.
His younger brother Lucky Khune was a striker for Kaizer Chiefs and currently plays for PSL Chippa United.
Itumeleng Khune Education
Itumeleng Khune Wife
The couple had their baby girl in 2020.
The couple welcomed their first child a week after celebrating their baby shower.
Now finally a father, the goalie could not hold back his excitement as he shared a picture of him holding his baby girl showing appreciation for the arrival of their bundle of joy, he captioned:
“Daddy Duties is an everyday thing ❤️❤️ #Blessed and most of all #GodIsGreat.”
Fans commended the Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper for finally settling down especially after dominating headlines linking him to many women.
Also read: Exclusive: Thabang Molaba On His New Role On #BloodandWater
Itumeleng Khune Career
He has over 75 appearances with Bafana Bafana where he served as a captain.
Itumeleng Khune shot to fame when he saved three penalties from Esrom Nyandoro and Peter Ndlovu against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Telkom Knockout final in 2007.
It wasn’t long until he caught the eye of Terror Sephoa who converted him to a goalkeeper.
In 2004, Itumeleng Khune was moved to the first team as the second preferred goalkeeper.
Itumeleng Khune won the seasons defensive player of the year award after a record of only 19 goals in 30 games.
Itumeleng Khune had a game-changing season in 2012-13 when they won the league and two cup competitions. Khune was also voted into Goal50 which was a list of the best players of 2013.
Bafana Bafana
Itumeleng Khue joined the national team, Bafana Bafana in 2008 when they were heading for the African Nations Cup but he didn’t get a chance to play.
He had his debut in March of 2008 when they played against Zimbabwe and then he became the preferred goalkeeper for the team.
Itumeleng Khune only regained his number one spot after the world cup.
Itumeleng Khune Awards & Honours
- 2006, 2013, 2014 – ABSA Cup/Nedbank Cup
- 2004, 2007, 2009, 2010 – Coca-Cola Cup/Telkom Knockout
- 2006, 2008, 2014, 2015 – SAA Supa 8/MTN 8
Awards
- PSL Players’ Player of the Season 2007–08, 2012–13
- PSL Club Rookie of the Year 2007–08
- SA Sports Awards Sportsman of the Year 2013
- SA Sports Awards Newcomer of the Year 2008
- Telkom Knockout Player of the Tournament 2007
- Telkom Knockout Goalkeeper of the Tournament 2007
- Premier Soccer League Goalkeeper of the Season 2007–08, 2012–13,2013–14
- Kaizer Chiefs Player of the Season 2007–08, 2012–13
- Kaizer Chiefs Player’s Player of the Season 2007–08, 2012–13
- Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament 2013
Itumeleng Khune Controversy
Philip Tinyanen who was officiating the match initially booked Khune for time-wasting after warning him several times, on the last yellow card. Philip wasn’t hesitant to produce the second yellow card due to Khune not responding to his warning.
“@OfficialPSL I did nothing wrong. You guys need to take action against these poor referees. “It’s about time action is taken against these referees by @OfficialPSL. They’ve been very poor since the beginning of the season. It’s unfair how we are painted bad for our actions on the field but we are provoked by these referees, you can call me names but I stand for what is right”
This led Khune to become reluctant to renew his contract with Kaizer Chiefs after it had expired. He didn’t sign immediately, but after a long period of negotiations and at the time of his return, he was the highest-paid footballer in South Africa earning R400 000 per month.
Itumuleng Khune Philanthropy
Itumeleng Khune Net Worth
He left a remarkable legacy in the football world and has worked hard for his name to be rated to be on the FIFA gaming top 10 goalkeeper.
Main image credit: ZAlebs.com
