Itumeleng Khune Honors – Itumeleng Khune is a professional South African soccer player renowned for his role as a goalkeeper with Kaizer Chiefs in the Premier Soccer League and the South African national team.
Born on June 20, 1987, Khune gained widespread recognition for his outstanding performance in the Telkom Knockout final on December 1, 2007, where he saved three penalties against Mamelodi Sundowns. Notably, he made a remarkable double save, including stopping a David Villa penalty, during the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup group stage match against Spain on June 20, 2009. Additionally, Khune earned the nickname “Spider-Man” for his exceptional reflexes and flexible goalkeeping skills.
Itumeleng Khune Honors
Itumeleng Khune has enjoyed a stellar career with Kaizer Chiefs, contributing to multiple team triumphs. He played a pivotal role in securing three Premier Soccer League titles and various cup victories, including ABSA Cup/Nedbank Cup and Coca-Cola Cup/Telkom Knockout. Individually, Khune has garnered numerous accolades, such as the PSL Footballer of the Year and two PSL Players’ Player of the Season awards.
His exceptional debut season earned him the PSL Club Rookie of the Year. On the national stage, Khune was honored with the SA Sports Awards Sportsman of the Year and Newcomer of the Year. His goalkeeping prowess is evident in three Premier Soccer League Goalkeeper of the Season titles. Within Kaizer Chiefs, he clinched Player of the Season twice and received the Player’s Player of the Season award. The Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament in 2013 highlights his consistent excellence, showcasing Khune’s enduring impact on South African football.
His journey in soccer took an unexpected turn when he started as a striker during trials at Chiefs in 1999 but later became a goalkeeper due to chest problems and caught the attention of youth coach Terror Sephoa. In the 2007–08 season, Khune seized the opportunity to become the number one goalkeeper for Chiefs, showcasing remarkable performances and helping the team secure the best defensive record in the league.
Throughout his career, Khune faced challenges such as injuries and a red card in the 2010 FIFA World Cup against Uruguay, becoming the second goalkeeper in the tournament’s history to be sent off. Despite setbacks, he continued to excel, captaining Kaizer Chiefs and leading the team to a league and cup double in the 2012–13 season.
Itumeleng Khune’s international career highlights include being part of South Africa’s squad in the 2008 African Nations Cup and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He represented Bafana Bafana in the 2013 African Cup of Nations, where he was appointed captain, and also participated in the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Known for his exceptional goalkeeping skills, Khune has received recognition in FIFA 15 rankings, earning a place in the top 10 goalkeepers. Beyond his contributions to soccer, he has demonstrated a commitment to philanthropy, donating R150,000 to an old age home in his hometown of Ventersdorp, North West.
Source: www.ghgossip.com
