Itumeleng Khune is a well-known South African professional football player who has made a name for himself as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. Born on June 20, 1987, Khune’s career has been nothing short of impressive, with numerous accolades and achievements to his name. This article aims to provide a detailed biography of Itumeleng Khune, shedding light on his early life, football journey, personal life, and net worth.
Khune’s journey to football stardom defied all odds, with his unyielding spirit and resilience propelling him to greatness. He is widely regarded as the best goalkeeper in South Africa ever, having played for Kaizer Chiefs in the Premier Soccer League, as well as the South African national team. Khune’s career shot to fame when he saved three penalties from Esrom Nyandoro and Peter Ndlovu against Mamelodi Sundowns, earning him the Man of the Match award and a spot in the South African national team.
This article will delve deeper into Khune’s early life, including his family background, education, and childhood. It will also provide an in-depth analysis of his football career, highlighting some of his most notable achievements and challenges. Additionally, the article will explore Khune’s personal life, including his relationships, hobbies, and interests. Finally, the article will provide an estimate of Khune’s net worth, taking into account his earnings from football and other ventures.
Early Life and Career
Birth and Family Background
Itumeleng Khune was born on June 20, 1987, in Tshing, Ventersdorp, North West, South Africa. He grew up in a modest family with his parents and two siblings. His father was a mineworker, and his mother was a domestic worker.
Early Career Beginnings
Khune’s passion for soccer began at a young age. He joined the Kaizer Chiefs’ youth academy in 1999, where he honed his skills until he was promoted to the senior team in 2004. He made his professional debut for the club in 2007 and quickly established himself as a talented goalkeeper.
Rise to Prominence
Khune’s career shot to fame when he saved three penalties from Esrom Nyandoro and Peter Ndlovu against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Telkom Knockout final on December 1, 2007. This performance earned him the man of the match award and cemented his place as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Over the years, Khune has become a household name in South African soccer. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest African goalkeepers of all time and has won numerous awards and accolades throughout his career.
Itumeleng Khune  |
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| Full Name: | Itumeleng Isaac Khune |
| Born: | 20 June 1987 |
| Nationality: | South African |
| Education: | University of South Africa |
| Occupation: | Footballer |
| Years active: | 1999-Present |
| Position: | Goalkeeper |
Professional Career
Kaizer Chiefs Tenure
Itumeleng Khune joined Kaizer Chiefs in 1999, and after impressing in the club’s youth ranks, he made his first-team debut in 2007. Since then, he has become an integral part of the team, helping them win numerous domestic titles. Khune has been the club’s first-choice goalkeeper for over a decade, and his performances have earned him a reputation as one of the best shot-stoppers in South Africa. He has also captained the team on several occasions.
National Team Contributions
Itumeleng Khune has been a regular member of the South African national team since making his debut in 2008. He has represented his country at several major tournaments, including the 2010 and 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Khune has been praised for his performances for the national team, and he is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the history of South African football.
Notable Performances and Records
Itumeleng Khune has produced several memorable performances throughout his career. One of his most notable displays came in the 2007 Telkom Knockout final, where he saved three penalties to help Kaizer Chiefs win the trophy. He has also set several records during his career, including the longest clean sheet run in the history of the Premier Soccer League. Khune’s consistent performances have earned him numerous individual awards, including the Premier Soccer League Goalkeeper of the Season award on multiple occasions.