Itu Khune
Date of birth: 20 June 1987
Place of birth: Ventersdorp, South Africa (specifically Tshing, Ventersdorp, North West)
Nationality: South African
Main activity: Professional football player (goalkeeper)
Itumeleng Isaac Khune, often hailed as "Mzansi's number one" and one of the best goalkeepers in South Africa, is a professional football player. Born in Ventersdorp, South Africa, he has played as a goalkeeper for Kaizer Chiefs in the Premier Soccer League and for the South African national team. He is known for his quick reflexes, distribution, and penalty-saving abilities.
Career
Itumeleng Khune began his football career at Kaizer Chiefs' youth academy in 1999, initially as a striker before converting to a goalkeeper. He was promoted to the first team in 2004 and made his debut in 2007, quickly establishing himself as the first-choice goalkeeper for Kaizer Chiefs. He has been instrumental in the club's domestic successes, including multiple Premier Soccer League titles, Nedbank Cups, MTN 8, and Telkom Knockout trophies. He has also captained the team.
Internationally, Khune made his debut for the South African national team (Bafana Bafana) in 2008 and has been capped over 90 times. He represented South Africa in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup and was the first-choice goalkeeper for the 2010 FIFA World Cup hosted in South Africa, where he became the second goalkeeper in World Cup history to be sent off. He was also part of South Africa's team at the 2008 African Nations Cup and selected for the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Children
Itumeleng Khune has two daughters, Amogelang Zenande Khune and Lesedi. He often shares photos of them on social media.
Family
Itumeleng Khune is one of six children born to Elias Khune (father) and Flora Khune (mother). His father was an amateur footballer. His younger brother, Lucky Khune, also played football professionally. He is married to Sphelele Makhunga; they got married traditionally in 2019.
Dating history
Itumeleng Khune married Sphelele Makhunga in 2019. Prior to his marriage, his relationship with fitness trainer Sbahle Mpisane was in the public eye.
