Khune’s playing days at Kaizer Chiefs are done.
That was confirmed by the club’s marketing director Jessica Motaung, who told Thabo Mosia on Radio 2000 that they were exploring other avenues for the 37-year-old.
Khune’s career has been in limbo ever since his contract expired at the end of last season, and a new one was not forthcoming.
Last week, it was reported that the club had offered the veteran shot-stopper a new contract, which was promptly rejected as involved working for the club’s marketing department.
On Thursday, Motaung clarified the club’s stance on the matter, saying they were keen to see him remain with the club, just not in a playing capacity.
“Khune has been a big part of the Kaizer Chiefs family, someone that we value very seriously,” Motaung said on the radio show.
“We are in process and discusses around the role that he can play. In fact one of the things that I was researching in the UK, the ambassadorial role of other players for their clubs after they’ve retired or moved.
“So we are in discussions and I’m very excited we have meetings that are set up for us to really look at finalising and going through certain proposals with each.
“But we’re very excited to sit with him around the table and really carve out a really exciting way of taking him to the next level within the Chiefs family. Talks are taking place and we’re making sure we’re keeping him within the fold.”
And on his playing career, Motaung emphasised that Khune’s playing days were done.
“I think from that perspective, it was already done. Also with Itu it’s difference because we’ve had those discussions last year already,” he added.
“We were also very clear as a club from the beginning about the contract that we’ve put forward to Itu.
“And that’s why, as you can see, Fiacre [Ntwari] was one of our important signings because we’d already long planned for that transition.
“Itu is a very valuable member of the family, because you don’t achieve what he’s done and contribute to this brand in the way he has by mistake. Obviously it’s a time where he can serve in other aspects and we look forward to what unfolds.”
IOL Sport