In a scathing critique of his former club, Kaizer Chiefs legend Itumeleng Khune has raised serious concerns regarding the team's current goalkeeping situation. The ex-Bafana Bafana star, who spent 25 years with the club, expressed his discontent over the lack of a reliable number one goalkeeper, a position he believes is crucial for the team's success.
Khune, who won 12 trophies including three Premier Soccer League (PSL) titles during his illustrious career, noted that the club has cycled through three different goalkeepers this season without finding stability. After parting ways with Khune, Chiefs brought in Rwandan international Fiacre Ntwari from TS Galaxy, but his performance left much to be desired.
Ntwari started the season but struggled, leading to the return of Bruce Bvuma, who has since taken over the starting role. Bvuma has played in 16 matches this season, but Khune argues that none of the goalkeepers have been able to meet the high standards expected at a club of Chiefs' stature.
"Once I step away, Chiefs need to find a goalkeeper who can consistently deliver — someone who can give them 30 games a season, compete in all competitions, and help win trophies," Khune told iDiski Times. "Right now, they’ve already gone through all their goalkeepers in just 24 matches, and there’s no stability. Players are coming in, getting a handful of games, and conceding multiple goals — that’s not the Kaizer Chiefs standard I know."
Khune’s frustration stems from what he perceives as a lack of consistency and reliability among the current goalkeeping options. The club has managed only nine clean sheets across all competitions this season, with a dismal record of conceding 29 goals in the league, making them one of the leakiest defenses in the campaign.
In his assessment, Khune emphasized the need for a goalkeeper who embodies strength, mental fortitude, and emotional stability. "They need someone dependable — physically strong, mentally sharp, emotionally stable — a leader at the back who can lift the team and set the tone. Sadly, I haven’t seen that level of presence this season," he lamented.
Reflecting on his own journey, Khune recalled the dedication he brought to the club, stating, "Every time I pulled on that jersey, I gave it everything. I knew what it meant to represent Chiefs and win the fans' hearts — that’s why I was the number one for so many years, playing 30 games a season and representing Bafana Bafana on the big stage." He added, "I never complained about fatigue or workload — because I knew that every opportunity was a blessing. You never want to retire and look back with regret."
Khune's critique extends to Bvuma, who has faced scrutiny for not taking his advice seriously. Khune expressed disappointment that Bvuma has failed to progress as expected, particularly when compared to other goalkeepers like Ronwen Williams, who has shown significant improvement. "People were saying after Itumeleng Khune who’s going to take over (at Bafana)? I was grooming Ronwen. When he came to Bafana I told him we are not here to make friends," Khune explained. "I fail to understand why Bruce Bvuma didn’t listen to that advice. Because now, the way he is struggling, he should have taken my advice when I gave it to him."
Despite Khune's concerns, the majority of Chiefs fans have expressed disagreement with his statements, suggesting that the issues extend beyond just the goalkeeping position. Many fans believe the defensive structure and overall team performance are equally to blame for the club's poor showing this season.
As the season progresses, Khune remains hopeful that Chiefs will find a long-term solution to their goalkeeping woes. He insists that the club must invest in a goalkeeper capable of playing consistently throughout the season and competing for titles. "They need to go get a goalkeeper that can give them straight 30 games in the league, that can play all the cups and even win cups for the club," he stated emphatically.
As it stands, Kaizer Chiefs find themselves in eighth place on the PSL table, struggling to maintain their traditional status as one of South Africa's premier football clubs. The pressure is mounting on coach Nasreddine Nabi to address these issues and restore the club to its former glory.
With the season still unfolding, fans are left wondering if Khune's concerns will be addressed, and if the club can find the stability it desperately needs in goal. The search for a consistent shot-stopper continues, as Khune's legacy looms large over the club he once helped dominate South African football.
