Kaizer Chiefs are unlikely to break the bank to match huge offers for Itumeleng Khune, but are confident loyalty and the Amakhosi brand will keep the Bafana Bafana goalkeeper at the club. This is the view of Chiefs manager Bobby Motaung.
Motaung also said there was no acrimony between the club and Kingston Nkhatha after he signed a pre-contract with SuperSport United in June.
Motaung expects to have a meeting on Friday with Khune and his agent to begin discussing a renewal of his contract, which ends in June. He said even if Khune were to receive big-money offers from rival SA clubs, Amakhosi would be confident they could keep the player based on the lucrative prospects offered by their brand, and potential future ties with the club.
"I don't think we'll break the bank. We've got standards at Chiefs with how we deal with our contracts, and if there's a bigger offer there are lessons for him.
"We've had players who have done that, but in the longer picture what does it benefit the player from the background he's had in the team to where he is now, and where he's going to go in his career? We've got examples of players like [assistant coach] Doctor Khumalo and [reserve coach] Ace Khuse, who have a bright future. It depends on the player - some want to end their career properly with a bright future, for others it's about making a quick buck.
"The player must also apply his mind. We're not in a panic situation as a club. He's under no pressure as a player. The contract expires in June and there's still time."
If Khune were to move, it seems likely it would be overseas.
Motaung said the injury to new striker from Chippa United David Zulu was merely a knock. Zulu will be registered for the Champions League before the January 15 deadline, as will veteran target-man Katlego Mphela, who has recovered from injury.
Motaung was speaking at yesterday's press conference for their friendly against German side TSV 1899 Hoffenheim at FNB Stadium on Friday night at 7.30pm.