When Jerry upset Khune

Itumeleng Khune (above) has played more than 20 Soweto derbies, but the one which shaped his career was played when he was just a young boy back in the Nineties.

It was after Jerry Sikhosana had left Khune and his family, who are staunch Kaizer Chiefs fans, heartbroken after putting three goals past Brian Baloyi, that the now 30-year-old keeper made a tearful promise to himself.

“Maybe I am prophetic but sometimes I say things and they later turn out just the way I said them,” Khune told the Saturday Citizen.

“There was a time in 1994 when Chiefs played in the derby and Jerry put three past Brian (Baloyi). I was crying when I told my mom and dad I want to play for this club one day and I would never concede three goals. I have always carried that with me. I can’t recall the time I have conceded over two goals in Chiefs’ colours. I always remind myself of that every time I get on the field.

“I was young and I don’t know why I was saying what I said,” added the Bafana keeper.

Khune said he has never conceded more than two goals in over 10 years at the club.

He has become the team’s hero over the past three matches where he collected back-to-back Man-of-theMatch awards. Asked what makes him keep his consistency at one team for so long as players always seek new challenges after a while, he gave a simple answer.

“I have won numerous awards with the team and some individual accolades but I am still hungry for more. Our fans deserve respect from every player.”

Khune’s heroics are likely to be called for again tonight as Amakhosi host the Absa Premiership’s hottest team at the moment, Clinton Larsen’s Golden Arrows. Arrows are the division’s biggest scorers with 10 goals so far.

Also see Page 45