Itumeleng Khune is a South African professional footballer who currently plays as a goalkeeper for Kaizer Chiefs and the South African national team. He is widely considered as one of the best goalkeepers in South African football history, and has established himself as a fan favorite for his remarkable saves and leadership on the field. In this biography, we will take a closer look at Itumeleng Khune’s life, from his childhood to his rise to football stardom.
Early Life and Childhood
Itumeleng Khune was born on June 20, 1987 in Tshing, Ventersdorp, a small town in the North West Province of South Africa. He grew up in a humble home with his mother, sister and brother. From a young age, Khune showed an interest in football, and spent most of his free time playing with friends in the streets of Tshing. His passion for the sport was inspired by his hero, former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Brian Baloyi.
Khune attended the Kaizer Chiefs Youth Academy in his early teens, where he quickly established himself as a talented goalkeeper. He was known for his quick reflexes and ability to read the game, and soon caught the attention of the senior team coaches.
Early Career with Kaizer Chiefs
In 2004, at the age of 17, Khune was promoted to the Kaizer Chiefs senior team, and made his debut in the Vodacom Challenge Cup against Manchester United. Although Chiefs lost the game 4-0, Khune’s performance was impressive, and he was praised for his composure and confidence.
Over the next few years, Khune established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper for Kaizer Chiefs, and helped the team win several trophies, including the Telkom Knockout Cup in 2007 and the MTN8 Cup in 2008. He was also named the South African Goalkeeper of the Season in 2007, and was selected to the PSL Team of the Season in 2009.
Khune’s career at Kaizer Chiefs:
2004: Khune joins Kaizer Chiefs senior team at the age of 17 and makes his debut in the Vodacom Challenge Cup against Manchester United.
2007: Khune helps Kaizer Chiefs win the Telkom Knockout Cup and is named the South African Goalkeeper of the Season.
2008: Khune plays a key role in Kaizer Chiefs’ victory in the MTN8 Cup.
2009: Khune is selected to the PSL Team of the Season.
2011: Khune helps Kaizer Chiefs win the Nedbank Cup and is named the South African Footballer of the Year.
2012: Khune plays a crucial role in Kaizer Chiefs’ success in the Absa Premiership, as the team finishes the season unbeaten.
2013: Khune is appointed as the captain of Kaizer Chiefs.
2014: Khune helps Kaizer Chiefs win the MTN8 Cup and is named the South African Goalkeeper of the Season for the second time.
2015: Khune is part of the Kaizer Chiefs team that reaches the final of the CAF Champions League.
2016: Khune helps Kaizer Chiefs win the Telkom Knockout Cup.
2017: Khune plays his 300th game for Kaizer Chiefs in a 1-1 draw against Orlando Pirates.
2018: Khune suffers a serious ankle injury that keeps him out of action for several months.
2020: Khune makes a comeback to the Kaizer Chiefs starting lineup and helps the team reach the final of the CAF Champions League.
Throughout his career at Kaizer Chiefs, Khune has established himself as one of the team’s most important players, and has been instrumental in many of the team’s successes. He has won several individual awards for his performances, and has been widely praised for his leadership and composure on the field.
National Team Success
Khune’s success with Kaizer Chiefs led to his selection for the South African national team, Bafana Bafana. He made his debut in 2008, and quickly became a key player for the team. He played a crucial role in South Africa’s successful run to the quarter-finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, making several important saves throughout the tournament.
In 2013, Khune was appointed as the captain of the national team, a position he still holds today. Under his leadership, Bafana Bafana has achieved several notable victories, including a 2-0 win over Nigeria in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Khune’s career with the South African national team, Bafana Bafana:
2008: Khune makes his debut for Bafana Bafana in a friendly match against Zimbabwe.
2009: Khune helps Bafana Bafana reach the semi-finals of the FIFA Confederations Cup, making several crucial saves in the quarter-final win over Egypt.
2010: Khune plays a key role in Bafana Bafana’s successful run to the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup, making several important saves throughout the tournament.
2013: Khune is appointed as the captain of Bafana Bafana.
2015: Khune helps Bafana Bafana win the COSAFA Cup, making several important saves in the final against Botswana.
2019: Khune leads Bafana Bafana to a 2-0 victory over Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, making several crucial saves throughout the game.
Throughout his career with Bafana Bafana, Khune has established himself as one of the team’s most important players, and has been praised for his leadership and composure on the field. He has played a key role in several of the team’s successes, and has been widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in South African football history.
Injuries and Comebacks
Throughout his career, Khune has faced several injury setbacks, including a serious ankle injury in 2018 that kept him out of action for several months. However, he has always shown remarkable resilience and determination to bounce back, and has continued to play at the highest level.
In 2020, Khune made a comeback to the Kaizer Chiefs starting lineup, and helped the team reach the final of the CAF Champions League. Although Chiefs ultimately lost the final, Khune’s performances were a testament to his skill and experience as a goalkeeper.
Off the Field
Outside of football, Khune is known for his philanthropic work, and has established the Itumeleng Khune Foundation, which focuses on providing educational and sporting opportunities for underprivileged children in South Africa.
Khune is also a keen fashion enthusiast, and has launched his own clothing line, Itu Khune GK. He has been named one of the most stylish footballers in South Africa, and has even walked the runway at fashion shows
