“Kaizer Chiefs is the laughing stock now,” Itumeleng Khune stated as quoted by Sportswire.
Khune has voiced his frustration over his former club’s ongoing trophy drought, which is nearing a decade. The club, once known as South Africa’s “Cup Kings,” has failed to secure any silverware since winning the Nedbank Cup in the 2012/2013 season.
Chiefs legend, Khune, who was part of that victorious squad, didn’t hold back when discussing the club’s decline. “It’s not nice being known as the Cup Kings for many years and then going 10 years without silverware,” Khune continued.
Chiefs’ semi-final hopes still alive
Despite the struggles, Khune believes Chiefs’ recent victory over Stellenbosch in the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals could be the turning point. He emphasized how crucial this win was in restoring confidence and pushing the club closer to breaking their decade-long curse.
“It gives them confidence. Remember, for the last nine years, going into 10, Chiefs haven’t won any silverware, and this gives them an opportunity,” said Khune.
He urged the players to seize the moment, reminding them of what’s at stake. “You’re just one step to the final and winning it. Players need to tell themselves that we’re going to leave everything on the field. It’s been embarrassing coming from a generation of winning cups to not winning any in 10 years.”
SA Football needs bigger ambitions
Beyond Chiefs’ struggles, Khune also addressed the broader state of South African football, urging young players and clubs to think bigger.
“We need to change our mindset in South Africa. We need to start thinking big,” he stated.
He pointed to rising star Relebohile Mofokeng, who has caught the attention of European giants like Barcelona. “If I were him, I would grab the opportunity, but then again, it’s not his decision; it’s the club’s decision at the end of the day.”
Khune highlighted the importance of giving young players opportunities, explaining how regular game time can strengthen the national team. “You see Mohau Nkota playing week in, week out, then they strengthen our national team also, when they grow mentally.”
Chiefs icon: Give players the right exposure
The former Kaizer Chiefs captain stressed that integrating young players into first-team environments is essential for their growth and the future of South African football.
“So these boys, at least now, coaches can give them an opportunity. As soon as there’s a national call-up, you’ll see coaches inviting youth players just to get them used to the environment of the first team.”
Khune also noted the fear some young players have when joining senior teams and how veterans need to mentor them. “So when you have senior players, they can sit these youngsters down and show them the way. If you keep on going the way you’ve been going, you’re also representing the country; obviously, the bigger goal is to end up representing Bafana Bafana, and anything can happen.”
‘You cannot be a youngster forever’
Khune further encouraged young players to believe in themselves and embrace the pressure of playing for big clubs.
“Players need to start believing in themselves and stop looking at age as an excuse. You cannot be a youngster forever; you have to grow mentally, physically, emotionally, and be able to take the pressure that comes with playing for those big clubs,” he concluded.
Kaizer Chiefs will now face the winner of the Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Sekhukhune United match in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals. However, uncertainty surrounds the game as the quarter final was postponed due to a stadium double booking at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
With the semi-finals looming, Chiefs have a golden opportunity to end their trophy drought—but will they rise to the occasion, or will their struggles continue?
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