How Kaiser Chiefs legend Itumeleng Khune built a property empire while still playing
Kaizer Chiefs legend Itumeleng Khune has revealed the extent of his property portfolio as he urged footballers to prepare for retirement very early on in their careers.
Khune has yet to officially retire from football, but the 38-year-old is currently in his second season without a club after leaving Kaizer Chiefs at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, where he had slid down the pecking order.
The goalkeeping great joined Kaizer Chiefs’ youth ranks in 1999, going on to cement his place as a first team regular in 2007. He went on to become the club captain, and eventually left when his playing contract wasn’t renewed in 2024.
Speaking at a media launch in Gabarone, Botswana, Khune said he started planning for the end of his career the moment it began back in 2007.
“I bought my first property in my maiden season,” Khune said, according to FARPost. “Today I own eight properties, all fully paid off with title deeds. Do not leave it until it’s too late. I started thinking about the future while I was still playing, and that helped me.”
He continued: “Retirement is not something you plan for; it happens.”
Reflecting on life after football, Khune said his forward planning has allowed him to face retirement with confidence and stability.
“Investing early gives you peace of mind because you won’t panic when your contract is not renewed,” he added. Since leaving Chiefs, Khune has primarily worked as a football analyst for SABC, and has also ventured into the construction industry.
For Khune, the message is simple but powerful – football doesn’t last forever, but the decisions players make while they’re still in the game can shape the rest of their lives. As one of South Africa’s most decorated goalkeepers, his journey serves as an example to the next generation: prepare early, invest wisely, and think beyond the pitch.
IOL Sport
