Former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune has delivered a blunt warning to the current generation of South African footballers, criticizing their focus and commitment to the game.
“Just nowadays, players have a lot of distractions. Your social media, players have invested in social media. They are not footballers anymore. They are, ubabizani? (what you call them?) Influencers. Current players manji, they don’t care about their footballing career,” Khune said on the ENCA podcast.
Khune’s remarks highlight a growing concern: many young players are prioritizing social media fame over football development. He stressed that while online platforms can be useful, they should never replace dedication to training, teamwork, and performance on the field. His message is clear — talent alone isn’t enough; discipline and focus define true professionals.
Over a 15-year professional career, Khune established himself as one of South Africa’s most respected goalkeepers. His trophy cabinet includes multiple Premier Soccer League titles and MTN8 wins, earning him recognition as a consistent and disciplined figure both at Kaizer Chiefs and with the national team.
For today’s players, Khune’s words serve as a wake-up call. In an era where influence online can overshadow impact on the pitch, his critique challenges them to prioritize their footballing careers, work harder, and strive to leave a lasting legacy — just as he did.
