Former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune has addressed recent comments made by his ex-teammate, Brilliant Khuzwayo, who suggested that previous coaches at Amakhosi showed favoritism towards Khune over him.
Khune, who was Chiefs’ first-choice goalkeeper for nearly 15 years, had a long-standing rivalry with Khuzwayo, especially during the period between 2012 and 2018. Khuzwayo often played second fiddle to Khune, eventually leaving for Orlando Pirates after struggling to secure regular first-team action.
Speaking to iDiski Times, Khune responded to Khuzwayo’s claims that he was unfairly kept out of the team. “I saw Brilliant coming out and saying that coaches did favors for me, but I don’t know where that’s coming from,” Khune said. “We trained together, we competed in a healthy way. If you look at the facts, when I was fit, I was always the first choice. Whether it was in training, at Chiefs, or even with Bafana Bafana, my performances spoke for themselves.”
Khune acknowledged that while Khuzwayo did impress when given the chance to play for Chiefs, he felt that Khuzwayo didn’t stand much of a chance of taking his spot when Khune was fit and in top form. “It’s his opinion, and I respect that,” Khune added.
Despite Khuzwayo’s moments of brilliance when called upon, his opportunities to play were limited, especially with Khune returning to full fitness. Khuzwayo spent several more years at Naturena before eventually seeking a move away, but Khune remains adamant that the competition for the number one spot was always about merit and not favoritism.
