Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz could face a difficult selection call when his side returns to Betway Premiership action, with Renaldo Leaner giving him plenty to think about in goal.
Leaner was handed his Chiefs debut after club captain Brandon Petersen suffered an injury last month, and the former Sekhukhune United goalkeeper immediately made a strong impression.
The 0-0 draw against Lamontville Golden Arrows gave Leaner an opportunity to show what he can offer — and he appears to have taken it with both hands.
Leaner impresses on Chiefs debut
Leaner joined Amakhosi in July after leaving Sekhukhune United and was brought into the starting XI after Petersen was ruled out.
Despite making his debut for one of the biggest clubs in South African football, the goalkeeper looked composed throughout the match.
He produced two important close-range saves to keep Chiefs in the contest and also showed confidence when dealing with pressure inside his penalty area.
For a goalkeeper making his first appearance for Amakhosi, it was an encouraging performance.
“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,” Leaner said.
The 28-year-old also made it clear that he believes there is plenty more to come from him.
“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 added.
Petersen’s place under discussion?
Petersen remains an important figure at Chiefs and had been backed by Da Cruz as his first-choice goalkeeper before his injury.
However, the captain had come under pressure following several costly mistakes earlier in the season, with some supporters questioning whether he should remain in the starting XI.
Da Cruz had previously made his position clear, continuing to back Petersen despite the criticism.
Leaner’s impressive debut, however, gives the Chiefs coach another option to consider.
The situation could become particularly interesting once Petersen is fully fit. Does Da Cruz immediately restore his captain, or does Leaner’s performance earn him another opportunity?
Chiefs face Stellenbosch test
Amakhosi return to action next Tuesday when they host Stellenbosch at FNB Stadium.
The match could provide the first indication of Da Cruz’s thinking if both goalkeepers are available for selection.
For now, Leaner has done exactly what a backup goalkeeper needs to do: take his opportunity when it arrives.
Whether that is enough to displace Petersen remains one of the more intriguing selection questions facing Da Cruz.
Who should start in goal for Kaizer Chiefs — Brandon Petersen or Renaldo Leaner?
