Itumeleng Khune

Itumeleng Khune is a South African former professional footballer who spent his entire senior career as a goalkeeper for Kaizer Chiefs and the South African national team. Widely regarded as the finest goalkeeper of his generation in the country, he earned the nickname "Mzansi's number one" for his consistent brilliance between the posts. His career spanned two decades, with 286 appearances for Kaizer Chiefs and 91 caps for Bafana Bafana.

Khune's reputation rests on his spectacular shot-stopping, fearless penalty saves, and pinpoint distribution. He became a national hero during the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup when he saved a penalty from Spain's David Villa, and his acrobatic scorpion kick save in 2015 drew global attention. Since retiring in 2024, he has transitioned into a football analyst and brand ambassador, remaining a beloved figure in South African football culture. [edit]

Itumeleng Isaac Khune was born on June 20, 1987, in Tshing, Ventersdorp, in the North West province of South Africa. He was one of six children born to Elias and Flora Khune, with his father working as a driver at a mine in Carletonville and playing amateur football as a striker. Growing up, Khune was initially passionate about cricket and idolised Nicky Boje, but he eventually chose football to earn a living for his family.

He attended New Nation, Westridge, St Barnabas, and RW Fick High Schools. A pivotal moment came when he joined the Kaizer Chiefs youth program, not as a goalkeeper but as a field player and ball boy. During a youth game, he experienced chest problems and volunteered to go into goal instead of running. That decision changed everything; coaches immediately noticed his natural reflexes and ability, and from that day forward, the goalkeeper Khune was born. He played youth soccer with Kaizer Chiefs from 1999 to 2004, starting as a defender before moving to goal. He was called up to the senior club in 2004 but had to wait until 2007 for his debut. [edit]

Khune made his professional debut for Kaizer Chiefs in 2007 at age 20, showing calmness and confidence beyond his years. His breakthrough came on December 1, 2007, when he saved three penalties from Esrom Nyandoro and Peter Ndlovu against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Telkom Knockout final, a performance that shot him to national fame.

Internationally, he debuted for South Africa in 2008 and earned 91 caps through 2020, plus 3 caps for the Olympic team in 2016. He was a key player in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Just before his 22nd birthday, on June 20, 2009, he saved a penalty from David Villa and made a spectacular double save in the group stage match. On June 16, 2010, against Uruguay, he became the second goalkeeper in World Cup history to be sent off after a red card for tackling Luis Suarez.

In a league match against Mpumalanga Black Aces on October 28, 2015, he performed a René Higuita-style scorpion kick save that made rounds in England. His quick reflexes and distribution were hailed as "the best you will see anywhere" by former Liverpool goalkeeper Sander Westerveld. He retired in 2024 after two decades with Kaizer Chiefs and now works as a football analyst and ambassador for TopBet. [edit]

Khune is celebrated as a club legend and fan favourite at Kaizer Chiefs, known for his sharp reflexes, pinpoint accurate throws, and fearless penalty saves. His playing style was electric, and his acrobatic saves made him a highlight reel staple. Media and fans portray him as a resilient figure who overcame initial rejection to become a respected figure in football history. He carries himself with calm confidence, and his nickname "Mzansi's number one" captures the affection South Africans hold for him. [edit]

Itumeleng Khune commands a focused sphere of influence within South African sports history, his name resonating with a consistency that reflects decades of elite performance and enduring cultural relevance. According to the August 2026 iFANN Global Fame Rankings, he is the 47th most famous person in South Africa, a position noting a slight decline from the previous cycle where he held the 46th spot. This placement underscores his status as a national icon whose recognition remains deeply tied to his specific era of dominance in goalkeeping rather than broad global celebrity. The rankings track his prominence across media coverage, search activity, and consumption signals worldwide, confirming his sustained visibility among the nation's public figures. While his professional legacy is anchored in the PSL and Bafana Bafana, his digital footprint suggests a community that actively maintains his narrative long after retirement. His support base does not operate under a distinct, formalized moniker separate from the club; instead, reverence for Khune is channeled through the massive "Amakhosi" fanbase of Kaizer Chiefs, where his jersey number 32 serves as an iconic symbol of allegiance. Digital metrics indicate over one million followers on Instagram and significant engagement on Facebook, reflecting a highly connected audience that views him as a guardian of the club's standards. Although no independent fan-funded projects or unique rituals bearing his name are documented, his transition into a vocal pundit who critiques current management reinforces his role as a central figure in the ongoing football discourse.[edit]

Itumeleng Khune is widely recognized by the moniker "Mzansi's number one," a title reflecting his standing as the premier goalkeeper of his generation in South Africa. Despite eventually becoming a celebrated shot-stopper, he began his youth career as a defender before transitioning positions. His distinctive bald appearance has become a trademark feature of his public image throughout his two-decade tenure. In a notable friendly encounter, he once conceded five goals within a ten-minute span against the legendary Tshidiso "Zee" Ncheche. A story fans still retell involves a "tough-love pact" Khune established with Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams, a mentorship narrative that saw him officially handing "GOAT" status to Williams following a World Cup adventure. He also famously saved a penalty from David Villa during the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup and executed an acrobatic scorpion kick save that became a highlight reel staple. His social media presence remains active, with his X handle @iikhune_32_16 used to share family moments and football memories.[edit]

Khune was born to Elias and Flora Khune in Tshing, Ventersdorp. His father Elias worked as a mine driver and played amateur football as a striker. He is one of six children, and his younger brother Lucky Khune also played professionally as a striker for Kaizer Chiefs and Chippa United.

Khune married Sphelele Makhunga in 2019. The couple has two daughters: Amogelang Zenande Khune, born in February 2020, and Ziyanda, born in June 2021. Makhunga is an entrepreneur, owning an events and décor company as well as a florist business. [edit]

Khune played alongside Siphiwe Tshabalala at Kaizer Chiefs and his younger brother Lucky Khune also played professionally. He faced Luis Suarez during the 2010 World Cup, saved a penalty from David Villa, and was praised by former Liverpool goalkeeper Sander Westerveld. [edit]

Khune married Sphelele Makhunga in 2019. The couple has two daughters, Amogelang Zenande, born in February 2020, and Ziyanda, born in June 2021. Makhunga is an entrepreneur who runs an events and décor company as well as a florist business.

As of 2026, Khune is married to Makhunga, and the family resides in South Africa. [edit]

As of 2026, research by the iFANN Editorial Team estimates Itumeleng Khune's net worth at $5 Million. This valuation reflects a steady accumulation of wealth derived from his long playing career at Kaizer Chiefs, where he secured a place among the PSL's highest earners for many years, alongside various endorsement deals. Since retiring in 2024, his income streams have expanded to include roles as a football analyst and ambassador for TopBet. Published figures vary slightly in local currency, with some South African sources estimating his net worth at around R70 million, which converts to roughly $4 million, though the editorial analysis settles on the higher figure. His financial portfolio represents the result of salaries, bonuses, and brand partnerships accumulated over two decades at the top of South African football.[edit]

Throughout his career, Khune won multiple league titles and domestic cups with Kaizer Chiefs, including the Telkom Knockout in 2007. He was widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in South Africa and served as captain of both club and country. [edit]