Itumeleng Khune of Kaizer Chiefs during the DStv Premiership match against Cape Town City FC at FNB Stadium on October 03. Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
Former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brilliant Khuzwayo believes that the time has come for Itumeleng Khune to make way for younger players in the team.
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While acknowledging Khune’s past contributions to the team, Khuzwayo feels that it’s essential for the club to start thinking about the future.
Speaking to the media this week, Khuzwayo emphasised the need to prioritise the development of young talents in the squad.
“Let’s pass it on to the youngsters now. Let’s give them the chance to shine and see what they can bring to the table.”
Khuzwayo stressed the importance of considering the team’s future over the next five years and evaluating whether Khune can continue to provide what he did in the past.
He pointed out that Khune’s last major success with Chiefs was during the 2014/15 season when the team won the league and the Nedbank Cup.
Given the lengthy gap since then, Khuzwayo suggested it’s time to reassess Khune’s role.
“When was the last time Itu won something with the team? Maybe that’s something we need to look into. That’s when we will find out if he still deserves to be where he is now.”
Regarding Chiefs’ current struggles, Khuzwayo attributed much of the problem to confidence. “They just need to boost their confidence, not much. When you keep experiencing defeat, you start doubting your abilities. You become cautious and hesitant.”
Khuzwayo drew an analogy, saying that continuous losses make you reluctant to throw punches, but winning one cup could help the team regain their fighting spirit.
“When you have been beaten too many times, you tend to not want to throw punches and keep trying to avoid the punches even when there is a chance to throw a few of you own punches.”
He refrained from commenting on whether the current Chiefs team is strong enough, leaving that assessment to the coach.
Khuzwayo recently made a sarcastic comment on X (formerly Twitter) saying Chiefs fans had become too tolerant and that is why Brandon Petersen was still the main keeper.
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He expressed hope that the team could regain its winning form and provide fans with reasons to celebrate once again.