End of the road for Itumeleng Khune as replacement Rwandan goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari joins Kaizer Chiefs

Johannesburg – The rumour mill has been churning for weeks, whispers of change and a new era at Kaizer Chiefs, and now, the whispers have solidified into a concrete reality. The arrival of Rwandan goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, a young and promising talent, has cast a long shadow over the future of Itumeleng Khune, a legend who has donned the gold and black of Amakhosi for over two decades.

While Chiefs are currently in Turkey for their pre-season training under the watchful eye of new coach Nasreddine Nabi, Khune remains in South Africa, a stark indicator of his uncertain future. His absence from the pre-season trip, despite his repeated pronouncements of wanting to continue playing, speaks volumes. The decision, it seems, has been made, and the veteran goalkeeper, a titan of South African football, may be facing the twilight of his career at Naturena.

The whispers of Khune’s departure have been circulating for some time, fuelled by the club’s management being divided on his future. Some within the Chiefs hierarchy advocated for giving the 36-year-old another chance, acknowledging his immense contribution to the club. Others, however, felt it was time to move on, to embrace a new chapter with a younger, more dynamic goalkeeper.

Ntwari’s arrival seems to have tipped the scales, sealing Khune’s fate. While Chiefs haven’t officially confirmed the signing of the 24-year-old Rwandan international, Stellenbosch FC chairman, Tim Sukazi, has confirmed that Ntwari has joined Amakhosi, adding another layer of intrigue to the unfolding saga.

“Chiefs really wanted the player (Fiacre Ntwari) and they made that clear. It’s not like we didn’t want the player, but it’s how we do business,” Sukazi told SABC Sport, hinting at a fierce competition for the young goalkeeper’s signature.

Ntwari, who joined Stellenbosch last year from AS Kigali in his home country, is a proven performer. He played 18 DStv Premiership matches last season, showcasing his prowess with 15 goals and 11 clean sheets. His arrival at Chiefs signifies a clear shift in the club’s direction, a move towards a younger, more dynamic squad.

The signing of Ntwari is not an isolated incident. Stellenbosch FC has become a breeding ground for talent, consistently producing players who attract the attention of South Africa’s top clubs. This season alone, they have sold midfielder Lehlohonolo Mojela to Stellenbosch and captain Pogiso Sanoka to SuperSport United. This trend is not new; in the 2022/2023 season, they sold goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi and midfielder Given Msimango to Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs respectively.

“We’ve done this before. We’ll take the money and invest it back into the team again. I believe in South African football to have a strong Kaizer Chiefs, a top-level… (key) and Ntwari is that type of goalkeeper who will contribute to what we are doing. We can’t have a weak Chiefs whether you like it or not,” Sukazi said, highlighting the importance of strengthening the club and its role in South African football.

Ntwari is the second player to join Chiefs since Nabi’s arrival, following the signing of defender Bongani Sam last week. The club is clearly undergoing a period of significant change, with Nabi at the helm, shaping a new era for the Amakhosi.

As Khune’s future hangs in the balance, a sense of nostalgia pervades the air. The man who has been a cornerstone of Chiefs’ success for over two decades, a figure who has inspired generations of South African footballers, may be nearing the end of his journey at Naturena. The arrival of Ntwari marks a new chapter for Chiefs, a chapter that may not include the legendary Khune. The question remains, will the curtain fall on Khune’s illustrious career at Chiefs, or will he find a new stage to showcase his talent? Only time will tell.