The career of Itumeleng Khune began not between the goalposts, but as a young striker arriving for trials at Kaizer Chiefs in 1999. Following chest complications that relegated him to a ball boy, his propensity for diving after missed shots prompted youth coach Terror Sephoa to fundamentally reposition him, setting the stage for his emergence as a prominent goalkeeper.
Early Development and Club Breakthrough
Born in Tshing, Ventersdorp, in 1987 to parents Elias and Flora, Khune initially focused on cricket, idolising Nicky Boje. He shifted his athletic pursuits toward football to support his family. After joining the Kaizer Chiefs youth ranks, he was promoted to the first team in 2004. He waited three years for a breakthrough, which arrived in the 2007–08 season following the departure of Rowen Fernandez. Under coach Muhsin Ertugral, he became the primary goalkeeper, making his Premier Soccer League debut against Jomo Cosmos on 25 August 2007. His inaugural season featured a league-best defensive record of only 19 goals conceded in 30 games.
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Khune gained significant recognition on 1 December 2007, during the Telkom Knockout final, where he saved three penalties against Mamelodi Sundowns. His international reputation grew during the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup; a day prior to his 22nd birthday on 20 June 2009, he saved a penalty from David Villa and executed a double save against Spain. In 2015, he performed a scorpion kick save against Mpumalanga Black Aces that garnered attention in England. However, his record also includes a red card against Uruguay on 16 June 2010, marking him as only the second goalkeeper in FIFA World Cup history to be dismissed.
Leadership and Injury Challenges
In October 2011, Khune replaced Jimmy Tau as club captain. He spearheaded a league and cup double in the 2012–13 season, earning a selection into Goal.com's Goal50 list in 2013, where he ranked 45th. Despite these achievements, he faced physical setbacks, including a three-month absence due to a finger injury in 2009 and a Grade 3 stress fracture diagnosed in 2014, which had persisted since February of that year. Following a contract expiration in June 2015, he engaged in prolonged negotiations before signing a new agreement with Kaizer Chiefs on 30 July 2015.
Fast facts
- Born: 20 June 1987
- Place of birth: Tshing, Ventersdorp
- Citizenship: South Africa
- Primary club: Kaizer Chiefs
- Award: South African Sport Star of the Year (2013)
- Professional debut: 25 August 2007
Questions readers ask
Did Itumeleng Khune always play as a goalkeeper?
No, he initially arrived at Kaizer Chiefs in 1999 as a striker before being converted to a goalkeeper by youth coach Terror Sephoa.
What is his most significant individual accolade?
He was named the South African Sport Star of the Year in 2013.
