WATCH: Itumeleng Khune on his father’s sacrifices, hopes for his daughters and celebrating everyday champions

Former Bafana Bafana captain Itumeleng Khune has paid tribute to his father for the sacrifices he made to support his football career.

Khune was speaking at the launch of Carling Black Label’s #MadeForChampions campaign and the screening of the Champion Short Stories series on Tuesday.

The event was held at the Saxon Hotel in Sandhurst, Johannesburg, and was hosted by television presenter Thomas Mlambo.

The Champion Short Stories initiative forms part of the brand’s efforts to bring the excitement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup closer to South Africans.

Khune said his father played a major role in shaping both the person he has become and his football career.

“My dad is a champion, and he has played a huge role in making sure that I become the person that I am today. I can also call myself a champ because of the sacrifices he has made for me,” he said.

He recalled how his family went without groceries for a month so that he could get his first pair of football boots.

“I remember the first time he had to buy me a pair of soccer boots, we had to sacrifice that one month of groceries at home, and I told them that mom, dad, brothers and sisters, the fact that we’re gonna go a month without food, I will not fail you. I will make sure that I make you proud,” he said.

He added that his father’s support enabled him to enjoy a professional football career spanning more than two decades.

“I managed to enjoy the footballing career for 20 plus years because of the sacrifices that my dad made along the way, and he is my champion,” he said.

Now a father of two daughters, Khune said he hopes to provide the same support to his children.

“What I wish for my two beautiful daughters is success, and obviously, as a parent, I am not going to force my kids and make decisions for them to say I want you to be like me and play Banyana Banyana,” he said.