Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz must decide whether to restore captain Brandon Petersen or retain Renaldo Leaner in goal for next Tuesday’s match against Stellenbosch.
Leaner was handed his first appearance for the club after Petersen suffered an injury last month, and responded with a confident display in the goalless Betway Premiership draw with Lamontville Golden Arrows.
The 25-year-old made two important close-range saves to keep Kaizer Chiefs in the contest and looked assured while managing his penalty area throughout the 90 minutes.
Leaner joined the club in July after leaving Sekhukhune United and was brought into the starting XI at short notice following the injury to Petersen, who had been established as Da Cruz’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Before his injury, Petersen had been criticised for several costly mistakes that resulted in goals. Some supporters called for the captain to be dropped, but Da Cruz had made it clear that the Cape Town-born goalkeeper remained his number one.
Leaner said making his debut for Kaizer Chiefs fulfilled a long-standing ambition.
“It was really exciting for me to play my first game because it has always been a dream for me to play for Kaizer Chiefs, one of the biggest teams in South Africa,” Leaner told www.kaizerchiefs.com.
The former Sekhukhune United goalkeeper also explained how he dealt with the pressure of making his first appearance for Amakhosi.
“I was able to make those saves because I went into the game with confidence and was very focused, which made me ready for action,” he said.
Leaner believes the performance can provide a foundation for his development, although he faces competition from Petersen once the captain is available again.
“I see a bright future for myself where I can become a better goalkeeper in the future and achieve great things in my career,” he said.
Kaizer Chiefs will return to action next Tuesday when they face Stellenbosch at FNB Stadium. The match is scheduled to begin at 19:30, with Da Cruz’s selection in goal still to be decided.