Ladies and gentlemen, meet Itumeleng Khune, the South African goalkeeper who gives Manuel Neuer and Ederson a run for their money when it comes to distribution.
The 35-year-old, who has made 91 appearances for his country, joined Premier Soccer League side Kaizer Chiefs when he was just 12-years-old, but it was a tough start to life at the most decorated club in South Africa.
After two failed trials – one where he played as a striker and failed to impress development staff, and the other as a defender – Khune was finally given a deal after switching his position to goalkeeper.
I'm proud to wear the gold and black this season. You are in my heart Amakhosi Family. I am part of the Club's Fresh Revival, and I am dedicated to the badge. 🦁✌🏼
— IIKHUNE3216 (@IIKHUNE_32_16) August 1, 2022
*Amakhosi4Life #KCFreshRevival* pic.twitter.com/lATOHClEbo
Since then, Khune has made over 300 appearances for the Amakhosi, earning a reputation for his incredible ability with the ball at his feet.
Take this performance during last year's CAF Champions League clash against Wydad, for example.
The experienced shot-stopper finds his teammates with some laser accurate passing from range, showing incredible bravery to thread balls through opposition lines. Check out his compilation below.
You can say what you want about Itumeleng Khune, but the man has incredible distribution. Even now. pic.twitter.com/TVx6uBugA1
— Joe Crann (@YesWeCrann) February 28, 2021
Khune has posted videos of his impressive distribution on a number of occasions down the years, with fans replying with their own tributes to the Kaizer Chiefs captain.
Pinpoint Precision 🎯🤷🏽♂️ #Distribution101 #Service #Location ⚽️ STOP IT I LIKE IT🤣🤪🤦🏽♂️ pic.twitter.com/7dYX2oLkkZ
— IIKHUNE3216 (@IIKHUNE_32_16) January 21, 2021
@IIKHUNE_32_16 the king of distribution is back. you are a LEGEND pic.twitter.com/kjcKIxYwy0
— Edgar MOKONE Moshima (@Edgar_Tlou23) September 2, 2020
Are we ready for this Distribution 101??🔥🔥 @IIKHUNE_32_16 this is top notch 👌🙌 pic.twitter.com/m3dTfLG1xu
— Boromo Mokoena (@Boromo_M) August 3, 2022
Distribution 101 😁🧤🇿🇦@IIKHUNE_32_16 #distribution101 pic.twitter.com/TctlAy41By
— Jethren Barr (@jethren_) February 25, 2022
Last month, after being given the captain's armband by Chiefs manager Arthur Zwane, the experienced Khune says he will never leave the South African club.
“I will never leave the club. I will never go anywhere," he told SowetanLive.
"I am a Khosi for life. I’ve been given an opportunity from development to the senior side and I’ve been given the responsibility to captain the biggest club on the continent."
Featured Image Credit: @CAFCLCC/Twitter
Topics: South Africa, Football
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