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Khune says he aims to be playing past 40-years-old

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Itumeleng Khune of the Warriors during the 2022 DStv Compact Cup
  • Post published:January 28, 2022

Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune says that he want’s to prolong his career just as legendary Italian shot-stopper Gianluigi Buffon adding that he thinks he has another 10-years left in the tank.

The Chiefs goalkeeper has struggled for gametime this season under Stuart Baxter at Naturena but gave everyone a timely reminder of his ability as he shined in the Warriors FC side at the DStv Compact Cup fixture last weekend,.

It was Khune’s first game since Amakhosi were beaten on penalties in the opening round of the MTN8 by Mamelodi Sundowns back in August 2021, and his performance got a lot of people talking.

Speaking in the build up to the final of the new Compact Cup, Khune insisted that he has had no thoughts of retirement.

“To be honest, it’s quite difficult. But I have a good support structure around me. I’ve got people at the club who call me and encourage me not to throw in the towel. I’ve got my family, my wife, my daughters who keep putting a smile on my face at all times. I know that I don’t do it for myself anymore. I do it for the people who believe in my talent and who believe I still have a lot to offer in this game. Whenever I wake up and drive to work, I know that I owe it to them and I leave my work place with a smile, knowing that I gave it my all,” the 34-year-old told media at a DSTV Compact Cup press conference on Thursday.

“I will retire when I am older than (Gianluigi) Buffon. I can I will retire after him. I still have maybe 10 more years. To be quite honest, I am making a good investment in myself by investing in a gym at home. I do a lot of extras at my work place and even when I get home I am motivated to do extra (work), so that I can improve myself and be in good shape. My body is my investment. When I invest in my body, I can take me until I am over 40. That’s what I am praying for.

“It means a lot and I am humbled by the reception I am getting from the country. I’ve been in this game for more than a decade and the fact that fans still appreciate my talent and what I can deliver on the day humbles me. I will keep rewarding them with great performances whenever I get given the opportunity.”