The greatest of all Chiefs
Goalkeeper
Chiefs’ goalkeeping dynasty over the last 50 years has been a veritable potpourri of contrasting talent – from the naturally gifted and ultra-coached to the naturally gifted with no coaching; the over-confident, bolshy and flamboyant, to the nervous and error-ridden. The pure natural ability of ITUMELENG KHUNE and his longevity with the club make him the first choice. Originally an outfield trialist who slept in the train station so that he would make it to practice on time, his ability in goal was quickly spotted and he has gone on through the junior ranks to captain both club and country.
Khune follows a long line of goalkeepers at the club, but none have had as much exposure, nor have been as influential. Khune was not a member of any of Chiefs’ great generations as his meagre medal collection will attest to, but, oftentimes, was the one who stood between the side and imminent defeat.
Had he taken better care of his body, and perhaps not partied as hard, he might have gone further. But few can argue with a tally of 91 caps and counting, with his career certainly not yet over at 32 years old.
With already over 300 league and cup starts for Chiefs, he could yet become their record appearance holder.
Chiefs have had some other fine glovemen down the years too though,
