Itumeleng Khune's bold claims ahead of the Nedbank Cup semi-final

Itumeleng Khune, Kaizer Chiefs legend. Archives

Itumeleng Khune, Kaizer Chiefs legend. Archives

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Published Apr 12, 2025

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When Itumeleng Khune sits down for a football debate, you know things are about to heat up. With the Nedbank Cup semi-finals kicking off this, it couldn’t come at a better time. As Mamelodi Sundowns prepare to host Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates take on Marumo Gallants, the stage is set for some serious football drama.

In a fiery Agree or Disagree challenge, the legendary goalkeeper and a passionate Orlando Pirates fan went head-to-head on some of South African football’s biggest talking points. 

From backing Orlando Pirates for a Nedbank Cup three-peat to defending his own legacy, Khune didn’t hold back, making bold calls that had fans talking.

The debate kicked off with a big question:

Is Stuart Baxter Kaizer Chiefs’ greatest coach?

Khune agreed immediately, saying "I strongly agree because he won 4 trophies with Chiefs, and I played under him."

But the fan wasn’t convinced. He argued that Baxter inherited a strong squad and simply "maneuvered his way" to success. The fan even jokingly suggested that Khune agreed only because he was the coach’s favourite!

Khune wasn’t having it and defended himself: "I had to fight to be the best. It wasn’t about favourites – it was about working hard and earning your place!"

Bradley Grobler vs Peter Shalulile – Who’s the better finisher?

Both Khune and the fan agreed that Bradley Grobler is the better goal scorer, with Khune laughing as he revealed a personal reason for his choice: "I don’t like that he has scored against me in almost every match we’ve played!"

Will Orlando Pirates win three consecutive Nedbank Cups?

When asked if Orlando Pirates will make it a hat-trick of Nedbank Cup titles, both Khune and the fan agreed, with Khune praising the Buccaneers’ current form and their strong squad.  Coming from a Kaizer Chiefs legend, that’s a big compliment.

Is Brian Baloyi better than Itumeleng Khune?

For a Pirates fan, this was a tough one. Surprisingly, he sided with Khune: "I think you are the better goalkeeper. You should even be Bafana Bafana’s goalkeeper coach!"

Khune was humbled by the statement. "Hopefully, the doors will open. I will take that opportunity when it comes to be a goalkeeper coach and help transfer my skills to the future goalkeepers of South Africa."

Beyond the banter – Every save and goal matters!

While the Agree or Disagree challenge was all about debating football history, the real action is happening on the pitch, where every goal and every save counts in the Nedbank Cup’s Goals vs Saves competition. 

So, do you agree or disagree with Khune’s picks? Or would you have called it differently? Watch the full debate and drop your take in the comments! 

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