The tree-lined road past Diepkloof Prison, south of Joburg, takes you to the country's most famous football clubhouse - Kaizer Chiefs village.

There is a row of modest office buildings and a field with well-manicured lawns, where the Amakhosi hone the skills of their household-name players .

The tranquillity of the Naturena suburb, within easy access of the north and southbound bypass, is a perfect setting to nurture talent - far from the rowdy central areas of the Johannesburg metropolis.

Significantly the Phefeni Glamour Boys' talent conveyer belt - more than any other local club - has churned out the best goalkeepers for club and country.

There was Brian "Spiderman" Baloyi, now with Mamelodi Sundowns, Rowen Fernandez, who plays in the German Bundesliga - and the country's No1 keeper and one of Bafana Bafana's form players, Itumeleng Khune. At 23, Khune is likely to outdo his predecessors as the finest goalie to come out of SA.

Despite his slow start at Chiefs, Khune's eventual meteoric rise to the top has been breathtaking - the stuff of legends. Promoted to the Chiefs senior team in 2004, he waited for three years to get game time.

He finally got his opportunity in the 2007/08 season after the departure of Fernandez to German club Arminia Bielefeld. Khune was made No1 by then coach Muhsin Ertugral, with the experienced Emile Baron plagued by injuries. Since then, he has amassed eight PSL and club awards.

Khune's name has been on every Bafana supporter's lips after his heroics helped South Africa to a 0-0 draw in the sweltering heat of Sierra Leone in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier last Sunday.

His acrobatic saves ensured Bafana stay top of Group G.

A great shot-stopper and a good reader of the game, he's reassuring to defenders. He is a fantastic athlete with lightning-quick reflexes and an excellent sense of positioning.

One of Khune's greatest assets is initiating attacks from the back, which he says he learnt from his idol, Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina. Despite all the attention and praise heaped on him, Khune has his feet firmly on the ground.

"There is a lot to learn and age is still on my side. I am improving all the time and I think in another three years I will be at the top of my game.

"We have a lot to achieve, for club and country. The more clean sheets we keep, the better our prospects for achieving what we aim for," says Khune.

He has warned his teammates not be complacent in March against Egypt, who have had a poor Afcon qualifying campaign.

"We know what they are capable of and should never take them for granted. It will be a very tough game. It is important to learn every day and never repeat your mistakes. The start to my professional career was slow, but I managed to adapt because playing for Chiefs is demanding. When I put on that jersey, a lot is expected of me."

As one of Chiefs and SA's star players, he still harbours ambitions to play overseas. "Age is on my side. I can't afford to rush. Patience is a virtue."

At 23, Khune has represented his country at the Fifa World Cup, the Confederations Cup and the Afcon in Ghana 2006. At least a decade lies ahead of him to establish himself as one of the country's finest products. Judging by his heroics - the baby-faced Khune will prevail.