A heated debate erupted between football pundits Phumudzo Manenzhe and Bongani Khumalo following Kaizer Chiefs’ decision to bench legendary goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune during the tail end of last season.
While the club honored Khune for his 25 years of service with a Guard of Honor and framed jerseys, many were surprised to see him start from the bench against Polokwane City.
Phumudzo Manenzhe, known for his bold opinions, argued that Khune’s significant contribution to the club warranted a starting place as a token of appreciation.
“Khune should’ve started the game because they were honouring him. That’s the proper way to do it,” he said on Extra-Time as per iDiski Times.
“I think playing him for 15 minutes, it doesn’t speak to the quality that the man still has.
“The man says ‘I still have two seasons to play’, himself. And when you look at Itumeleng Khune and the quality that he still has, I still maintain – if you honouring for him for 25 years of service at Kaizer Chiefs, start him in that game.”
However, Bongani Khumalo, while acknowledging Khune’s legacy, defended interim coach Cavin Johnson’s decision. He explained that with crucial points at stake in the top eight race, Johnson’s priority was to field the strongest possible team.
Khumalo argued that while honoring Khune was important, it couldn’t overshadow the team’s competitive goals.
“I’m of a different opinion,” Khumalo said.
“At the end of the day, professionalism must prevail, always. If you have a number one goalkeeper who’s been playing, who’s been performing, that is your goalkeeper. You need the points, it’s the last two games of the season.
“The wonderful gesture, the wonderful touches is great but in the greater scheme of things, the club is here to win football games and coaches get paid to do what they need to do to win football games – not to hand out gestures or gifts.
“But that’s why I say he’s still trusted, so you’ll get your minutes, you’ll get your gesture.”