“Prices Double Or Triple”: Khune Wants PSL Financial Fair Play Introduced
Kaizer Chiefs legend Itumeleng Khune has called for the introduction of Financial Fair Play (FFP) in the PSL, arguing that Amakhosi are routinely shortchanged and priced out when pursuing transfer targets.
It is a well-documented phenomenon in South African football that whenever Kaizer Chiefs express interest in a player, selling clubs inflate the price tag—often causing potential deals to collapse.
Conversely, transactions often proceed smoothly for rival clubs. A recent case in point was Polokwane City’s Oswin Appollis. Despite reported interest from Chiefs, the winger ultimately completed a surprise move to Orlando Pirates for an undisclosed fee at the start of last season.
Amakhosi are now facing a similar hurdle in their pursuit of Stellenbosch FC starlet Langelihle Phili, with a steep valuation currently serving as the main stumbling block to completing the transfer.
Khune emphasized that Chiefs urgently need to bolster their squad ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, especially given their upcoming participation in the CAF Confederation Cup under new head coach Fernando Da Cruz.
Thus far, Chiefs’ transfer business has been limited to free agents, bringing in defender Thabo Moloisane following his departure from Stellenbosch FC, alongside former Sekhukhune United goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner.
“I think, to be quite honest with you, the club needs to go into the market and sign quality players,” said Khune.
“Because they will be competing in the CAF Confederation Cup next season, they need to strengthen the squad. But, as we all know, it is not always easy for Kaizer Chiefs to go into the market and sign the players they want.
“Unfortunately, whenever they show interest in a player, the price seems to double or even triple.”
Khune speaks with authority as one of the club’s most decorated figures, having been part of the last Amakhosi side to lift the Premiership title back in 2015.
The Ventersdorp-born ex-goalkeeper holds the PSL record for the most consecutive seasons (17) at Kaizer Chiefs following his senior debut in 2007.
Over a 20-season career with the Soweto giants, Khune made 429 appearances, capturing three league titles, three Telkom Knockout trophies, two MTN8 titles, and one Nedbank Cup.
Khune’s 429-cap tenure, Amakhosi reached the 2021 CAF Champions League final, emphasizing his firsthand knowledge of the squad depth required for continental competition.
“I think in South African football we need to introduce Financial Fair Play because some teams are able to sign players while others are unable to compete on an equal footing,” he added.
“I think we need to revisit that and activate it to ensure fairness across all 16 teams in the PSL.”
