Khune’s back‚ but what about Masango?

The Naturena soap opera is finally over after goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune agreed to rejoin Kaizer Chiefs on Thursday.

The drawn-out saga — which first saw Khune‚ defender Tefu Mashamaite and winger Mandla Masango all told they can leave by the club earlier last month — produced a new twist when one of them accepted a new deal “in principle” just days before the start of the Premier League season.

The trio have been accused by the club of making unreasonable demands when negotiation new contracts‚ and the drama had dragged on since.

They were officially clubless on June 30.

Prior to an official statement from Chiefs about Khune “returning home”‚ the Bafana goalkeeper posted a picture of himself on Twitter at around 10am on Thursday captioned:

He‚ along with Amakhosi football manager Bobby Motaung‚ could not be reached for comment soon after their talks concluded.

Chiefs also confirmed in a statement that discussions with Masango were ongoing and an announcement would be made soon.

“Itumeleng will be returning home. The club still needs to follow internal procedures and processes‚ but in principle Itu is home. We welcome him‚” their social media statement read.

Khune will miss Saturday afternoon’s Carling Black Label Cup against Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium‚ a competition where fans select the starting line-up.

The keeper was not part of the club’s pre-season camp in Potchefstroom and has instead been keeping fit by himself at the Nike Centre in Pimville‚ Soweto.

Mashamaite is still without a club.

– The Times