The Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs have been told to offer experienced goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune a contract extension after fighting his way back into the starting line-up.
According to Kick Off Magazine, Khune is into the last year of a two-year contract signed last year and has nine months remaining to prove that he deserves a further extension.
The 35-year-old has not known any other professional club since making his first-team debut for Chiefs in 2007.
“I know we tend to be emotional in voicing our opinions in this game, but the truth is that football depends on the one who is playing and not what those outside are thinking,” retired goalkeeper Pelewe Delamogo tells KickOff.
“Do you even know about Khune’s determination and discipline?
“I also was for over a year without a club after leaving TP Mazembe and at my new club in Zambia, I kept five consecutive clean sheets.
“With Khune I know some people have been quick to criticise him for being old, but he is a goalkeeper who can play until he is 40 or even 42, the choice is his.
“Goalkeeping is different from other positions and when your discipline is high you can come back the way he has done.”
The former goalkeeper then advised Kaizer Chiefs to extend the Bafana Bafana international’s stay at the club.
“Right now, I believe Chiefs will extend his contract because he will play until the end of the season,” Delamogo added.
“He can only be dropped if he is injured.
“If Khune wants to play for a new contract he can make it happen easily.
“Since I have known him, he has been the best South African keeper along with Brian Baloyi who was from my generation.
“So, I think Chiefs will be left with no choice but to extend his contract.
“If I was the chairman of Chiefs, I would extend his contract when it expires because he knows all there is to know about the club and can be called upon at any time.
“Goalkeeping is a sensitive position because a mistake there is deadly so we should be very careful in that space,” Delamogo added.
