Khune camp facing uphill battle at Naturena

It’s been widely reported now that Kaizer Chiefs veteran goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune was suspended by the club for misconduct following allegations he arrived at training under the influence of alcohol.

Several days earlier, the team captain was quoted in the Sunday World seemingly disclosing confidential information about Brandon Petersen, who competes with him for the No.1 jersey at Naturena.

The Siya crew has it on good authority that Khune was called into the office and reprimanded for his comments, which landed him in hot water with the Chiefs hierarchy – and then there were more claims he flouted internal policies.

According to the Soweto giants, as per the statement released in July about the former Bafana Bafana number one’s future, the player is in the final year of his stint.

But having now contradicted that narrative by insisting he is not ready to hang up his gloves, Soccer Laduma has learnt Khune has all but diminished any chances he may even play for Chiefs should he want to continue playing.

The Siya crew has been led to believe any conversations around the veteran being engaged over a potential role at the club in future are on hold as Amakhosi deal with the blow out for his remarks.

Khune joined the Glamour Boys when he was only 13 and has gone on to win three league titles, but as things stand, it’s understood the player has strained the relationship and could be on his way out… as well as other Premier Soccer League sides, Reneilwe Letsholonyane now wants to make a name for himself as a coach.

The former midfielder was elevated to being the AmaZulu FC reserve league coach, where the club find themselves second from bottom in the DStv Diski Challenge under Letsholonyane’s guidance.

‘Yeye’, as he is affectionately known in the football fraternity, completed his CAF B Licence in October last year and is now understood to be making plans to enroll for the next course on the African continent.

SAFA began rolling out the first phase of the CAF A Licence and the federation was proud to announce high-profile names like Eric Tinkler, Gavin Hunt and Steve Barker as being part of the course.

Following a six-year hiatus, SAFA technical director Walter Steenbok worked tirelessly to resume the programme in the country, with the mother body under pressure to make sure PSL coaches get the highest level of qualifications.

Letsholonyane is set to put his name forward and if – for one reason or the other – there are no courses in Mzansi, the dreadlocked ex-midfielder is willing to crisscross around the continent.

The 41-year-old went as far as Zambia to begin his journey and that is where he was empowered with a CAF B License.

In no time, the Siya crew understands, Yeye could be eyeing a position as a topflight coach given his experience both on and off the pitch.