Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed that goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune has rejoined the club after his suspension ahead of the Soweto derby against Orlando Pirates at the FNB Stadium on Saturday.

Khune was suspended and stripped of his captaincy by the club after he reportedly arrived at training intoxicated in December.

Despite his suspension, Khune was able to play in the Carling All Star XI while also walking away with the Man of the Match award in the Carling Black Label Cup.

The 36-year-old has now returned to the club after he completed his special redemption programme.

The Soweto giants released the following statement on the matter which reads:

Kaizer Chiefs’ longest serving player, Itumeleng Khune, has rejoined the team following his separation from his teammates in order to fulfill certain conditions required of him before he could be allowed back at the Village.

Khune was suspended early in December to afford him an opportunity to complete a corrective programme designed for him to meet set expectations for a professional athlete. Upon completion of the programme, a report from an independent body of professionals was received and shared with the technical team to demonstrate that he had done all that was required.

During his three month absence, Khune says he fully participated in the programmes set out for him and believes they assisted with his personal growth and development as a professional athlete as well as an individual. He looks forward to working hard at training and sharing his knowledge with his teammates.

In January and February, Kaizer Chiefs also allowed Khune to participate on the panel of SABC Sport analysts during the recent Africa Cup of Nations. The experience gained from the exercise will hopefully benefit his life in future.
As Kaizer Chiefs, we welcome Itu back to the home he has known for over 25 years and we remain committed to our core values of discipline, integrity, respect, and unity.

Photo by Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix