sportskeeda
Former Kaizer Chiefs captain Itumeleng Khune has declared Stuart Baxter the greatest coach in the club’s history.
While playing under Baxter from 2012 to 2015, Khune secured four major trophies with the Chiefs, including a remarkable double in 2015 comprising the MTN8 and the league title.
The Chiefs are determined to end their trophy drought and will face the formidable Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup semi-final at Loftus Stadium this Sunday (18:00).
In the other semi-final, Orlando Pirates, who have won the Nedbank Cup twice in the past two years, will take on Marumo Gallants at Orlando Stadium on Sunday (15:00).
Serving as an ambassador for this season’s Nedbank Cup, Khune last lifted the trophy with the Chiefs in the 2012/13 season when they defeated SuperSport United in Durban. He delivered an exceptional performance in goal during that final.
“I wholeheartedly agree, as he guided us to four trophies with the Chiefs, and I had the privilege of playing under his leadership,” Khune stated during the Nedbank Cup’s “Agree or Disagree” challenge.
Nevertheless, one fan expressed skepticism, suggesting that Baxter merely capitalized on a talented team and “found his way” to achievement. The supporter jokingly implied that Khune’s praise could stem from being the coach’s preferred player.
Khune strongly rejected this notion, insisting, “I had to work hard to be recognized as the best. It wasn’t about favoritism – it was about commitment and earning your place!”
This endorsement of Baxter is not surprising, as Khune earned the prestigious PSL Footballer of the Season award in the 2012/13 season, Baxter’s first year at the helm.
Khune became only the second goalkeeper to receive this accolade after Andre Arendse won it with Santos in the 2001/02 season, with Ronwen Williams being the third goalkeeper to attain this honor last season with Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Ventersdorp-born goalkeeper, who exited at the end of last season, holds the PSL era record for the most consecutive seasons (17) as a Chiefs player since his debut in 2007, accumulating a total of 429 appearances over his 20-year career.
Throughout his journey, Khune has celebrated three league titles, three Telkom Knockout trophies, two MTN8 victories, and one Nedbank Cup. He is also the second most capped player in Bafana Bafana history with 91 appearances.
