Former Orlando Pirates captain Benson Mhlongo has weighed in on rivals Kaizer Chiefs' decision to suspend goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune.
According to the club's statement that was released on Thursday, Khune has been suspended from the first team and has been stripped of his role as the club's captaincy.
Mhlongo applauds Amakhosi management for making a decision that is going to benefit both the player and the club.
READ | Chiefs make bold decision on Khune!
"Khune is experienced, he is a brand that belongs to Kaizer Chiefs, he is a legend of the club, unfortunately, they had to make an example out of him," Mhlongo tells KickOff.
"It might be beneficial to the team and its youngsters to respect the game more.
"For him to go through the program will show remorse for what he has done.
"We all know what he did is not right, but such things do happen in our teams. It's up to the team how they handle it.
"Khune is not the first player to be found in this situation. As long as they don't release him he is going to come back and it's gonna benefit both parties.
"This is not a train smash, they just had to make an example and Khune must take it with a food faith.
"He must lead by example and go to the program to help the next generation.
"This is a human error and we are all humans. Sometimes we go out to enjoy ourselves and end up going overboard.
"We not condoning it but players must know we have to respect time. If it wasn't Khune somebody else was going to do it.
"Some things happen just for us to rectify them. They happen so others can learn from them.
"As footballers let's take it as a life lesson. Let's start respecting time, let's have enough sleep to avoid such things.
"It's time for us as South Africans to understand that athletes and celebrities are also human.
"In a corporate world they do drink after work in their workplace, Rugby players do drink immediately after the game, as long as you respect your job and sleep early so your body remains fresh."
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