Kaizer Chiefs: Would it be wise to let go of Itumeleng Khune?

Kaizer Chiefs are reported to be preparing for life without Itumeleng Khune as they are yet to offer him a new deal.

Khune’s contract with Chiefs is believed to be in its final months although neither party has gone public about the details of the goalkeeper’s current deal.

READ | KAIZER CHIEFS AND ITUMELENG KHUNE TO END 21-YEAR-LONG RELATIONSHIP

The 33-year-old shot-stopper is still very much involved in the team and appears to be in Gavin Hunt’s plans for the season even after some costly goalkeeping errors.

But it’s not only Khune who has made mistakes; almost every player in that Amakhosi squad has had their fair share of mistakes which have put the team where it is – mid-table of the log with nothing to fight for domestically.

Daniel Akpeyi has also made some blunders while the entire defence can also be blamed for the games Amakhosi either drew or lost thus far.

So, would it be wise to let go of Khune at this stage?

Everyone has his opinion but with all the problems Chiefs are facing at the moment, they still need Khune’s services and guidance.

It is true that not every senior player in that Chiefs squad should be kept beyond the current season, but Khune’s situation should be treated differently.

After all, this is a goalkeeper who’s struggled with injuries and has not been playing regularly over the past two seasons – and the arrival of Akpeyi made it even difficult for Chiefs to rely on him.

Akpeyi had his moments where he shone for Chiefs but no one expected less given the big boots he had to fill in the absence of Khune.

READ | KAIZER CHIEFS ARE NOT A CHEATING TEAM – GAVIN HUNT

Now, what the Chiefs technical team needs to do is to give Khune enough time to rediscover his old form – and he can only achieve that if he’s afforded enough game time.

Furthermore, the club’s goalkeeping department is armed with experience – and that’s because they have Khune and Akpeyi; without the duo, Chiefs would have no one to call to for experience.

Chiefs are reported to be keen on bringing in a new goalkeeper in Brandon Petersen who trained with them before their transfer ban was upheld.

However, the former Bidvest Wits shot-stopper isn’t going to instantly solve their problems, especially without the guidance of someone who is experienced enough and understands the culture of the club – and that person is none other Khune.

READ | KEAGAN DOLLY LINKED WITH SENSATIONAL RETURN TO MAMELODI SUNDOWNS

At 33, Khune still has a lot to offer Chiefs – both on and off the field – and he still has a few good years in him as a professional.

And Chiefs can learn from their rivals Mamelodi Sundowns who kept faith in Denis Onyango and Kennedy Mweene while also recruiting the younger goalkeepers.

This was to allow the veteran goalkeepers to impart their knowledge to the younger ones while also ensuring stability in the team – and Chiefs should follow suit and offer Khune a new deal without hesitation.