With Kaizer Chiefs yet to confirm a return date for Itumeleng Khune, the experienced goalkeeper has been questioned for some of his actions by one of his top fans in Junior Khanye.
Two weeks ago, Chiefs issued a statement confirming that Khune was suspended from the team until certain conditions have been fulfilled.
At the time, there had been reports that the 36-year-old allegedly didn't handle himself in a way deemed appropriate to be part of the team.
With the shot-stopper being one of the leaders in votes for being part of the Carling Knockout All-Star XI that is scheduled to face champions Stellenbosch FC at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, it remains to be seen if he will be allowed by the Soweto giants to take part in the match due to his suspension.
Speaking exclusively to the Siya crew, Khanye said Khune let himself down although he believes that his situation could have been handled better.
The Good
"I still maintain what I have always said about Itumeleng Khune, he is one of the best goalkeepers to have been produced from the country. He has always been the best all these years. He has won trophies with the team and also did so individually and that says a lot about the quality of the guy. For someone who grew up at the club, Khune should have done better and there must have been a way to handle the situation from his end. He could have phoned the club or something if he felt that he wasn't ready to be with the team and all of this would have been avoided. I am sure the club would have understood and gave him a day off or something," said Khanye.
The Bad
"Khune has let me down as I am one of the big fans for him. I have always been in love with how he plays and that's since our days in the development because that is where we started. I was promoted from the reserves to the first team before him but he didn't take long to follow me. I was disappointed in him and from what I hear he was reported by some of his teammates resulting in whatever he is said to have done. From what I understand, as players you need each other for the team to do well and whoever has reported him, if what I heard is true, I am disappointed in those players too," he said.
The Ugly
"As an experienced player that he is, Itu should have known and done better. Knowing the culture of the club, having been there all these years, he should have known better to lead by example. Having said that, I also blame the club as I believe that the situation could have been handled differently. Khune is not a child and should not be treated like one," concluded Khanye.
When should Chiefs allow Khune to return?
