 |
Itumeleng KhuneSouth African footballer, goalkeeper
Date of Birth: 20.06.1987
Country:  South Africa |
Content:
- Early Life and Career
- Debut and Rise to Prominence
- International Debut and Success
- World Cup Debut and Controversy
Early Life and Career
Itumeleng Khune is a South African football goalkeeper who currently plays for Kaizer Chiefs and the South African national team. He began his football journey at Kaizer Chiefs' youth academy.
Debut and Rise to Prominence
In 2004, Khune was promoted to Kaizer Chiefs' first team. His professional debut came in the 2007/08 season, proving to be a resounding success. He was named not only the club's Player of the Season but also the Premier Soccer League's Rookie of the Season and Player's Player of the Season. Kaizer Chiefs' impressive defensive performance that year, conceding only 19 goals in 30 games, broke their own record for defensive prowess.
International Debut and Success
Khune's outstanding debut earned him a call-up to the national team. He made his international debut on March 11, 2008, in a friendly against Zimbabwe. He was part of South Africa's squad for the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations but did not make any appearances. However, at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, hosted in South Africa, Khune became the team's starting goalkeeper, guiding them to a fourth-place finish.
World Cup Debut and Controversy
Khune also started in goal for South Africa at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. In the match against Uruguay, he received a red card after tripping an opposing player in the penalty area, resulting in a penalty kick for Uruguay. The game ended with a 3-0 Uruguayan victory, and Khune became only the second goalkeeper ever to be sent off in a World Cup.
