The story behind the scenes

Khune’s salary conundrum

Siya sources have indicated that Chiefs intend to trigger Khune’s one-year option and may even enter into discussions over a new deal altogether, unless the veteran goalie receives an opportunity elsewhere.

A report in local media suggested that the Bafana Bafana shot-stopper has attracted interest abroad, though there’s been no official word from the club about this or any player movements in general.

It’s been widely reported that Khune is one of the high earners at Amakhosi with a salary in the region of R6 million per annum, which perhaps makes sense that his salary would have reached those figures when you consider his performance for more than a decade at the highest level.

But there’s been a decline from Khune in recent years.

His overall fitness has been an issue and cost him the previous two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments Bafana have been involved in, and he has also come under serious criticism at Chiefs, particularly this season.

If the club is going to be a bit sentimental and keep him around, will it make sense to still have him on the same salary package?

A R6 million per annum figure suggests the player should be a regular, and the Siya crew understands this is unlikely to be the case next season – if he stays, as expected.

Chiefs not looking to sign Keet

The Siya crew has had it confirmed that coach Hunt inquired from management over whether it would be possible to bring Keet on board for a reunion, having worked together and won trophies at Wits.

But it’s understood the Amakhosi hierarchy is unlikely to follow up on any of this given the goalkeeper snubbed their interest back in 2019.

At the time, he was in the final months of his contract with the Clever Boys and is believed to have informed Chiefs his intention was to return to Europe instead of leaving Wits for another local club.

He has been back in SA since October last year after he mutually terminated his contract with OH Leuven and his move to the USA did not materialise.

According to insiders at

Chiefs, with Khune out of contract, it is thought Hunt was possibly angling to have Keet and Petersen as the two goalkeepers, which would give him two good options for the No.1 jersey.

But it doesn’t appear the club is going that route – Petersen is poised to be first choice, with both Khune and Akpeyi as the experienced cover, while Bvuma is expected to go on loan and Brylon Petersen offloaded.

Indications are that Chiefs will not be going into the market for a goalkeeper, so it appears the door is closed on Keet.

Future of Chiefs keeper department covered

Historically, the Glamour Boys have hardly had issues in their goalkeeping department, and even when Khune’s injury woes began, they’ve always had solid cover and gone on to win league titles.

Khune himself succeeded Brian Baloyi, who was the club’s first choice for a number of years, but the recruitment of Akpeyi did come as a surprise given his age, form and record at Chippa United.

Chiefs, in the past, relied on Reyaad Pieterse and Brilliant Khuzwayo, when Khune was injured, and when they stepped in, they were hardly found wanting, though their departures were largely due to the fact that they wanted to come out of his shadow.

Now, with Khune nearing the end of his career, the club has had to look to the future and with Petersen, Bvuma and Molefe, they have that.

The trio of Petersen (26), Bvuma (25) and Molefe (18) almost guarantee Chiefs longevity in that department, with only a serious injury or a move elsewhere likely to be the contributing factor in looking to bring in another keeper on board.

But of course, all three have to then prove they can be as good as Khune in his prime or they will risk being surplus to requirements. Bvuma and Molefe will no doubt need game-time away from the club to grow in confidence, especially if Khune and Akpeyi are still part of the picture for a season or two.

Their talent and prospect alone, however, suggests that they – along with Petersen – are the future for the club.