Chiefs preparing for life after Khune?

Kaizer Chiefs is ushering in a new era as far as the club’s goalkeeping department is concerned. Veteran Itumeleng Khune could be taking a back seat. That’s if he stays, with plenty doubt still surrounding his future as he enters the final month of his Amakhosi contract. Although a reliable insider at Chiefs has informed the Siya crew that the club has a one-year option on Khune’s current deal and have every intention of triggering it to prolong his stay, it’s understood that he isn’t likely to be the No.1 keeper. Neither is Daniel Akpeyi, who has battled Khune in being selected as first choice for more than two years. The Nigerian has one more year left on his contract and being 35 next season will be a factor in determining whether he is offered an extension. Indications are that the Glamour Boys will look to 26-year-old Brandon Petersen as the preferred choice between the poles, but sources at Naturena maintain that Khune could very well gradually hand over the reins. And there are suggestions of a clearly thought-out plan for Chiefs’ goalkeeping department, led by Lee Baxter, with Bruce Bvuma and young Karabo Molefe still very much part of the club’s bigger picture. What’s certain is that Khune is in the twilight of his career and Amakhosi, where he arrived aged 13, realise that it’s time to elevate his long-term successor! The Siya crew lifts the lid on conversations at Naturena about what role Khune will play with Petersen expected to step up…