With Itumeleng Khune's future at Kaizer Chiefs unclear as things stand, here's a look at some of his best moments versus world class players.
The story
During Amakhosi's recent game against Polokwane City, the shot-stopper was honoured for his 25 years at the club, as his contract is set to end on June. It remains unclear what the next chapter holds for the 36-year-old, with some people torn between seeing him continue his career while others believe it's time for him to bow out of football completely.
Nevertheless, Khune will have a look to reflect on as he has enjoyed a hugely successful career and club and national team level. With 91 appearances for Bafana Bafana, according to Transfermarkt, the Ventersdorp-native appeared at various international tournaments, including the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, 2010 FIFA World Cup, 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, and 2016 Rio Olympics.
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It was mainly during these esteemed tournament where he showed his might in front of world-renowned stars like FC Barcelona's Mexican legend Rafael Marquez, Spanish icon Fernando Torres, and African superstar Sadio Mane.
Who can also forget when he received a red card at the World Cup in 2010 after fouling Uruguay star Luis Suarez in the box?
For Chiefs, he has also faced off against the likes of English great Wayne Rooney in addition to his glowing displays against Tottenham Hotspur in the Vodacom Challenge, where he came up against the likes of Peter Crouch and Robbie Keane.
Scroll through the gallery below to see Khune up against elite players!
Reflecting on that Suarez-Khune penalty incident over 10 years later, then-Bafana skipper Aaron Mokoena rued that fateful moment, claiming that he did warn his colleagues about the Uruguayan star's diving antics.
"We were unfortunate. I think where we were really unfortunate was the penalty and Itumeleng Khune's red card‚" Mokoena said, according to Sowetanlive. "I think that was a turning point for us. The Uruguay game was a deciding game because if we had come out with a draw‚ and then beaten France‚ we would have gone through.
"Definitely that wasn't a penalty. I knew Suarez was that type of player who would provoke any defender‚ would dive at any time‚ try to buy free-kicks‚ a penalty or yellow cards. And it happened.
"I had warned the boys that Suarez is that player who can dive. I had watched him play for Ajax. And the fact that he got that penalty and Khune red-carded‚ for me it wasn't a surprise."
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