Is former Kaizer Chiefs keeper Itumeleng Khune admitting his playing days are over? - Amakhosi legend speaks - 'If it happens that I will never set foot on the football pitch again...'

Kaizer Chiefs legend Itumeleng Khune has shared insights on his present circumstances as he actively seeks a new club ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.

The 37-year-old goalkeeper is currently without a club since his contract was not extended by the Soweto giants at the conclusion of the 2023-24 season.

During a candid interview with the media recently, the experienced goalkeeper subtly suggested the idea of potentially retiring.

"At some point as a person, you need to make a decision. I think the decision that I have made so far is a good one and it will benefit my family going forward because it is a long-term business opportunity," Khune said. 

"If it happens that I will never set foot on the football pitch again, at least we all strive to have something to fall back on in the future. Already, I have secured being an owner of TopBet, and going forward I will still need to go back to the field, which I’m not ruling off.

"But again, it is good that I’m sending a message out there to other footballers to say that it is possible and there are opportunities out there for everyone. If you want to get involved in any business, you can, nothing stops you, but again, you need to decide on exactly what it is that you want for yourself and the future," explained the veteran goalie. 

"I’m still learning a lot about the business because I just stopped playing and wouldn’t be part of a betting company if I was still on the field, so I’m starting to learn more about the business. Obviously, as an owner, I will have the license for the business. I just stopped playing and I wouldn’t be a part of a betting company if I was still on the field," he added. 

Whether I have made the announcement (on retirement) or not, for me, at the end of the day, life has to go on. I’m proud of what I have from football. If I don’t get back on the field, at least I have something to fall back on."

Despite Khune's initial stance on not being prepared to retire, it now seems that there is a chance he could leave the game earlier than anticipated.

This may be prompted by the fact that the Ventersdorp-born legend has recently become a shareholder of betting company Top Bet. 

Per Fifa regulations, players are prohibited from participating in betting activities or being associated with sports betting due to potential conflicts of interest and risks to the game's integrity.

Furthermore, It was reported that Chiefs have offered him an ambassadorial role as they don't regard him as a player under Nasreddine Nabi's tenure. 

Khune has shown no interest in pursuing a coaching position, despite suggestions that he could excel as a goalkeeper coach given his exceptional performance during his prime.

The man previously known as 'Mzansi's number one' has yet to confirm if he will retire or not. Meanwhile, Chiefs are also anticipated to communicate about his future with the club.