Former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper and captain Itumeleng Khune has responded to criticism from fans who accused him of being a “traitor” after he attended an Orlando Pirates match over the weekend. The retired soccer star and his wife, Sphelele, were spotted at Soweto Stadium, where the Buccaneers secured a 3-1 victory against Baroka.

ocial Media Backlash
Following the match, Khune shared pictures on Instagram of himself and Sphelele watching the Orlando Pirates game live from the stadium. In the photos, the couple appeared to be wearing black, which some fans interpreted as a sign of support for the Pirates—Kaizer Chiefs’ biggest rivals.

Many Kaizer Chiefs fans were quick to express their disappointment and accused Khune of betraying the club. One fan bluntly asked Khune if he had switched his allegiance to the Buccaneers. Others went as far as to call him a “traitor” and “confused.”

Itumeleng Khune & his wife Sphelele

Itumeleng Khune has been sharing glimpses of his post-Kaizer Chiefs life with his social media followers. Since unofficially retiring from professional soccer, Khune has embarked on new ventures that reflect his interests off the field. He now works as a health and safety officer and has also invested in a sports betting agency, where he reportedly owns shares.

Despite the backlash, Khune took the comments in stride and addressed the criticism with amusement. He clarified that he was attending the match for “work” purposes, though he did not elaborate on the nature of the work. When pressed further by fans, the 37-year-old reaffirmed his loyalty to Kaizer Chiefs by responding, “Amakhosi for life.”