'Humble' Khune settled for 20% pay cut to play for Chiefs again

In a desperate move last week, Itumeleng Khune agreed to take a 20% pay cut when he agreed to rejoin Kaizer Chiefs, according to a report.

The Sunday World reported that it has “authoritatively learnt” that Khune, who earned a staggering R325,000 per month last season, got the deal by apologising and humbling himself before the chairman - who two months ago branded the player as "disrespectful" and "trying to hold the club at ransom during contract negotiations.

The Sunday tabloid quoted two unnamed club officials, who confirmed the former Chiefs and Bafana Bafana captain has taken a salary cut.

"The chairman didn't want to set a wrong example by paying him what he has been paying him or acceding to his ridiculous demands,” said one source.

Another official also confirmed Khune's salary was reduced by about 20 percent.

"Initially it was going to be reduced substantially but he humbled himself and apologised," said the other official.

Both Chiefs football manager, Bobby Motaung, and spokesperson Vina Maphosa on Friday declined to comment further to the paper on the club's decision to cut the player’s wages.

Maphosa, however, said details of Khune's contract will be announced at a press conference billed for Tuesday.