Itumeleng Khune has revealed how he was inspired to become one of South Africa’s greatest players by former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brian Baloyi.
The Amakhosi number one recalled how when he arrived at Chiefs as a 12-year-old trialist, Baloyi gave him his old gloves which Khune says he used as a pillow when he got back home to Ventersdorp that night.
“I was inspired by Brian Baloyi to be who I am today. He gave me gloves when I came for trials and going back home to Ventersdorp I took a train at Johannesburg Park Station and when I got home I used those gloves as my pillow just to make sure that I didn’t lose them,” Khune said.
The former Bafana Bafana number one goalkeeper also added how his father took their “last money” to buy him soccer boots instead of buying groceries at home.
“When my father asked me what I would like him to do with the last money we had whether to buy groceries or soccer boots I promised my parents and my siblings that I will take the risk and not disappoint them,” Khune said.
The 33-year-old also said that he was inspired by Argentina 2006 World Cup goalkeeper Roberto Abbondanzieri.
“His distribution attracted me to play like him and since then I knew I was a talented goalkeeper who can use both of my legs and start an attack against the opposition,” Khune added.
The veteran goalkeeper expressed his joy at having inspired many goalkeepers in the country. “Now many goalkeepers have told me how I have also inspired (them). I am happy that I have inspired many goalkeepers in the country,” Khune said.
The 33-year-old also said he was grateful for the risk his father took to help him realise his dream. “I am happy I took that risk as I realised my dream which has inspired many other goalkeepers and people in general,” Khune observed.
