Former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune faces a major career decision, where his main skills set are seemingly overlooked at the Naturena-based club.
Khune has been contradicting Amakhosi statements since his contract was only extended by one season at the beginning of last term, where he was open to the media that he has desires to play for at least a few more years, despite the club insisting it was his 'last contract'.
He is currently out of contract and instead of Chiefs looking to use his skill-set as a shot-stopper, perhaps preparing him to become a goalkeeper coach, they are only proposing to him an ambassadorial role, which would come with a huge salary cut, given the sporadic nature of the job.
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After 25 years at the club and with close to a century of caps for Bafana Bafana, Khune would have been a great asset continuing a role associated with the team, where he could even influence the dressing room.
However, the club appear to have cast him out into the wilderness, as he is yet to accept the offer of an "ambassadorial role", which would take him further away from the green grass.
"We're busy in discussions right now and we have key meetings scheduled for next week, to discuss his role as an ambassador and what he can bring to the party. I was just overseas now and actually studying the models internationally, in terms of ambassadorial roles players have played, and I'm just excited and I'm hoping we can reach an agreement in terms of what Itu can do," Chiefs Marketing Director Jessica Motaung recently told Newzroom Afrika.
"I also see a lot from him on the podcast space and other [media] spaces because he's got such immense talent. Not just at a football level but exposed to the business of football, so we're in good discussions and I'm hoping we can find a way forward."
Motaung was also asked if Khune agrees to such proposals, as the veteran may want to continue playing.
"Any player wants to continue playing, you know, but I think Itu understands that this is the next stage he is going through and I think our discussions will be fruitful," she responded.
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Mamelodi Sundowns roped in Kennedy Mweene as one of the goalkeeper coaches last season after he had spent a decade at Chloorkop.
Orlando Pirates also recently handed Siyabonga Mpontshane a role as an assistant goalkeeper coach after nine years with them.
After being regarded as one of the best players, never mind a goalkeeper to be produced in the country, it appears an injustice to his talent that Khune would not get an opportunity to impart his knowledge and experience to the current and future generations of shot-stoppers and even outfield players at Chiefs.