Itumeleng Khune is a South African professional soccer player widely regarded as one of the greatest African goalkeepers of all time. Born on June 20, 1987, in Tshing, Ventersdorp, North West, South Africa, Khune started playing soccer at a young age and quickly rose to fame. He currently plays as goalkeeper for Kaizer Chiefs in the Premier Soccer League and also represents the South African national team.
Khune’s career shot to fame when he saved three penalties from Esrom Nyandoro and Peter Ndlovu against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Telkom Knockout final on December 1, 2007. Since then, he has been a key player for both Kaizer Chiefs and the South African national team, earning numerous accolades and awards along the way. In this article, we will delve into the complete player profile and biography of Itumeleng Khune, exploring his early life, club and international career, playing style and position, off the pitch activities, media and public perception, and career statistics.
Key Takeaways
- Itumeleng Khune is a South African professional soccer player widely regarded as one of the greatest African goalkeepers of all time.
- Khune’s career shot to fame when he saved three penalties from Esrom Nyandoro and Peter Ndlovu against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Telkom Knockout final on December 1, 2007.
- In this article, we will delve into the complete player profile and biography of Itumeleng Khune, exploring his early life, club and international career, playing style and position, off the pitch activities, media and public perception, and career statistics.
Early Life and Background
Birth and Family
Itumeleng Khune was born on June 20, 1987, in Tshing, Ventersdorp, North West, South Africa. He is the second youngest of six children born to Elias and Flora Khune. Itumeleng Khune’s father, Elias, worked as a driver at a mine in Carletonville and also played amateur football as a striker. Itumeleng Khune’s mother, Flora, was a domestic worker. The family lived in a small house in Tshing, Ventersdorp.
Early Interest in Football
Itumeleng Khune developed an early interest in football and began playing the sport at a young age. He played football with his friends in the streets of Tshing, Ventersdorp. Itumeleng Khune’s father, Elias, was also a football enthusiast and encouraged his son’s interest in the sport. Elias would often take Itumeleng Khune to watch local football matches and would also play football with him in their backyard.
Youth Career
Itumeleng Khune’s talent as a goalkeeper was recognized at a young age. He began his youth career at the Kaizer Chiefs academy. Itumeleng Khune’s talent was quickly noticed by the coaches and he was promoted to the Kaizer Chiefs reserve team. Itumeleng Khune’s performances for the reserve team earned him a promotion to the first team. Itumeleng Khune made his debut for the Kaizer Chiefs first team in 2007 and has been a regular member of the team ever since.
Club Career
Itumeleng Khune has spent his entire club career playing for South African football club, Kaizer Chiefs. He joined the club’s youth academy in 1999 and made his first team debut in 2007. Since then, he has established himself as one of the most important players in the team.
Kaizer Chiefs
Khune has been a key player for Kaizer Chiefs since his debut. He has won numerous titles with the club, including four Premier Soccer League titles, two Telkom Knockout Cups, and one Nedbank Cup. He has also helped the team reach the final of the CAF Champions League in 2013, where they lost to Al Ahly.
Loan Spells and Transfers
Khune has never played for another club apart from Kaizer Chiefs. However, he did have a brief loan spell with National First Division side, African Warriors, in 2006. He also had a trial with English Premier League side, Tottenham Hotspur, in 2010, but a move never materialized.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Khune has had a highly successful career with Kaizer Chiefs. He has won numerous individual awards, including the Premier Soccer League Goalkeeper of the Season award four times, and the South African Footballer of the Year award in 2013. He has also been named in the PSL Team of the Season on multiple occasions.
International Career
South Africa National Team
Itumeleng Khune has been a key player for the South African national team since his debut in 2008. He is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the history of South African football.
International Debut
Khune made his international debut against Zimbabwe on March 11, 2008. He was a member of the Bafana Bafana team that competed in the 2008 African Nations Cup, although he did not play until his debut against Zimbabwe.
Significant Matches and Tournaments
Khune’s major assignment with the national team was the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. He played a crucial role in helping South Africa reach the semifinals of the tournament, where they lost to Brazil. In 2010, South Africa hosted the FIFA World Cup, and Khune was picked as the first-choice goalkeeper for the national team. He played a vital role in helping South Africa hold Mexico to a 1-1 draw in the opening match of the tournament.
Khune has also been a regular member of the South African squad in the Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. He was part of the South African team that reached the quarterfinals of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
Overall, Itumeleng Khune has been a great asset to the South African national team. His performances have been consistent and he has proven to be a reliable goalkeeper for the team.
Playing Style and Position
Goalkeeping Technique
Itumeleng Khune is known for his excellent goalkeeping technique which is a combination of his agility, quick reflexes, and good positioning. He is also known for his ability to read the game well and anticipate the movements of the opposition players. Khune is a commanding presence in the box and is not afraid to come out and claim crosses or make saves at the feet of onrushing attackers. He is also a good shot-stopper and has made some spectacular saves throughout his career.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Khune’s biggest strength is his shot-stopping ability. He has made some incredible saves throughout his career and has won many games for his team with his heroics between the sticks. Khune is also a good communicator and is known for his leadership skills. He is a respected figure in the Kaizer Chiefs dressing room and is often seen motivating his teammates on the field.
One weakness in Khune’s game is his distribution. He sometimes struggles to find his teammates with his long kicks and this can put his team under pressure. However, he has been working on this aspect of his game and has improved in recent years.
Overall, Itumeleng Khune is a top-class goalkeeper who is widely regarded as one of the best in South Africa and the African continent. His excellent goalkeeping technique, shot-stopping ability, and leadership skills make him a valuable asset to any team he plays for.
Off the Pitch
Personal Life
Itumeleng Khune was born on June 20, 1987, in Tshing, Ventersdorp, South Africa. He grew up in a small town in North West and was the last born of four children. Khune is known for his love of fashion and style, often seen wearing the latest trends and designer labels. He is also an avid car enthusiast and owns several luxury vehicles.
In 2019, Khune welcomed his first child, a daughter named Siphesihle. He is known to be a very private person when it comes to his personal life and rarely shares details about his family or relationships with the media.
Philanthropy and Community Service
Off the pitch, Khune is actively involved in philanthropy and community service. He has his own foundation, the Itumeleng Khune Foundation, which focuses on helping underprivileged children and youth in South Africa. The foundation provides support in the areas of education, health, and sports development.
Khune has also been involved in various other charitable initiatives, including the Nelson Mandela Foundation’s 67 Minutes campaign, which encourages people to spend 67 minutes of their time on Mandela Day (July 18) volunteering and making a positive impact in their communities.
In addition to his philanthropic work, Khune is a UNICEF ambassador and has been involved in campaigns to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment in South Africa. He has also been an advocate for mental health awareness and has spoken openly about his own experiences with depression.
Overall, Itumeleng Khune is not only a talented athlete but also a dedicated philanthropist and community leader, using his platform to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Media and Public Perception
Brand Endorsements
Itumeleng Khune is one of the most recognizable faces in South African football. As a result, he has been able to secure several lucrative endorsement deals throughout his career. One of his most notable partnerships is with Nike. Khune has been a brand ambassador for the sportswear giant since 2010 and has appeared in numerous campaigns for the company.
In addition to Nike, Khune has also endorsed several other brands, including Puma, Vodacom, and Toyota. His endorsement deals have helped him become one of the highest-paid footballers in South Africa.
Relationship with Fans
Itumeleng Khune has a large and passionate fan base in South Africa. He is known for his friendly and approachable nature, and he is often seen interacting with fans on social media and in public.
Khune’s popularity has also made him a target for criticism from some sections of the media and the public. However, he has always remained professional and has not allowed the negativity to affect his performances on the pitch.
Overall, Itumeleng Khune is widely regarded as one of the most respected and admired footballers in South Africa. His positive image and strong brand endorsements have helped him become a role model for young aspiring footballers in the country.
Career Statistics
Club Performance
Itumeleng Khune is a professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Kaizer Chiefs in the Premier Soccer League. He joined the club in 2004 and has since become a key player for the team. Khune has made over 350 appearances for Kaizer Chiefs, helping the team win several domestic titles, including the PSL championship and the Nedbank Cup.
During his time with Kaizer Chiefs, Khune has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in South Africa. He is known for his excellent shot-stopping ability and his commanding presence in the box. Khune has also been praised for his leadership skills and his ability to motivate his teammates.
National Team Performance
Khune has also represented the South African national team on numerous occasions. He made his debut for the team in 2008 and has since become the first-choice goalkeeper for Bafana Bafana. Khune has played in several major tournaments for South Africa, including the World Cup and the African Cup of Nations.
Khune’s performances for the national team have been impressive, and he has been praised for his consistency and his ability to make crucial saves. He has also been a key figure in South Africa’s recent successes, including their qualification for the 2022 World Cup.
Individual Awards and Honours
Khune has received several individual awards and honours throughout his career. He has been named the PSL Goalkeeper of the Season on multiple occasions and has also been included in the PSL Team of the Season several times. Khune was also named the South African Footballer of the Year in 2013.
In addition to his individual awards, Khune has also been a part of several successful teams. He has helped Kaizer Chiefs win several domestic titles, including the PSL championship and the Nedbank Cup. Khune was also a member of the South African team that won the 2008 African Cup of Nations.
Also check: Brian Mandelai: Complete Player Profile and Biography
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the date of birth of Itumeleng Khune?
Itumeleng Khune was born on June 20, 1987, in Tshing, Ventersdorp, South Africa.
Who is Itumeleng Khune’s spouse and what is her age?
Itumeleng Khune is married to Sphelele Mak, who is also known as Siphelele Mpisane. Her age is not publicly available.
What is the estimated net worth of Itumeleng Khune?
Itumeleng Khune’s estimated net worth is around $2 million. He has earned this fortune through his successful football career, various brand endorsements, and investments.
How many children does Itumeleng Khune have?
Itumeleng Khune has one child, a daughter named Sbahle Khune, who was born on December 26, 2019.
What significant milestones mark Itumeleng Khune’s football career?
Itumeleng Khune is widely regarded as one of the greatest African goalkeepers of all time. He has won numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including the Premier Soccer League Goalkeeper of the Season award three times. He has also helped his team, Kaizer Chiefs, win several major titles, including the Premier Soccer League, the Nedbank Cup, and the Telkom Knockout Cup.
What are the latest developments in Itumeleng Khune’s professional career?
As of May 2024, Itumeleng Khune is still playing for Kaizer Chiefs in the Premier Soccer League and the South African national team. He continues to be a key player for both teams and is widely respected for his skills and leadership on the field.