'Disrespectful' Khune tried to hold us at ransom, says Kaizer Motaung

Kaizer Chiefs chairman has lashed out at outgoing Itumeleng Khune and accused the goalkeeper of trying to hold the club at ransom and somewhat of being greedy during their broken down contract negotiations.

Addressing the media at the club’s headquarters in Naturena on Tuesday, Kaizer Motaung said Khune became disrespectful to the club during negotiations.

“Khune’s case became even more disrespectful to the club when he sent us a note that he will talk to us when he comes back on June 18,” said Motaung.

“One thing is that we cannot be held ransom by anyone. The game and the club is bigger than anyone hence we have decided to move on. We could not wait for June 18.”

Motaung added:“The message is very clear to everybody. If it comes to money and nothing else then Chiefs has no place for you. "It does not take one or two players to make a team. We look after our players well. I can be proved wrong, but Itu last season was the highest-paid player. But we understand that life should go on and people should be free to move on."

Khune has played 223 official matches for Chiefs since breaking through the development ranks in 2007. While his salary has not been revealed, a report published by Sunday World pegged it at just over R300,000 per month. Mamelodi Sundowns had apparently offered R800,000 per month although this is unconfirmed.

Chiefs fans should brace for a new-look Amakhosi next season after the club announced that Tefu Mashamaite and Mandla Masango are also leaving the Soweto giants over money issues.