Brandon Petersen backs Renaldo Leaner as Kaizer Chiefs’ goalkeeping rivalry steps up

Kaizer Chiefs captain Brandon Petersen says the arrival of fellow goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner will sharpen competition for the number one spot as Amakhosi prepare for the 2026-27 Betway Premiership season.

Leaner has joined Chiefs on a free transfer after leaving Sekhukhune United, one of several new signings as head coach Fernando Da Cruz reshapes his squad ahead of the new campaign.

Rather than see the move as a direct threat to his place, Petersen has welcomed the addition and believes Chiefs will be stronger for having greater depth in goal.

“I think it’s a good signing for the team. Renaldo is a phenomenal goalkeeper. I’ve known him since we were very young, I was his head boy in high school and we’ve always had a good relationship,” Petersen said.

Long-standing connection

Petersen and Leaner share a long footballing history that stretches back to their school days and through the Ajax Cape Town (now Cape Town Spurs) academy system, renowned for producing South Africa internationals.

The two attended the same high school, with Petersen serving as head boy while Leaner was still working his way up through the grades. Both later emerged from the Ajax Cape Town academy, which has long been regarded as one of the country’s leading development structures.

Although their professional careers diverged after leaving Cape Town, Petersen says he has followed Leaner’s progress closely over the years and taken pride in how his former schoolmate has handled adversity.

“It’s been great for me to see how he grow as a goalkeeper coming from the Ajax Academy and how he fought his way back into the PSL to be where he is today. It’s a great opportunity for him as well,” the Chiefs skipper said.

Rebuilding after relegation

Leaner’s early senior career was shaped by disappointment when he was part of the Ajax Cape Town side relegated from the Premiership in 2018.

The setback forced the goalkeeper to rebuild his reputation away from the spotlight. He spent time at Maritzburg United, before the club’s subsequent dissolution, and then established himself at Sekhukhune United with a series of assured performances.

Those displays earned the 28-year-old a move to Chiefs, one of South Africa’s most high-profile clubs, and a fresh chance to compete at the top end of the domestic game.

Petersen believes that journey underlines Leaner’s resilience and the mentality he will bring to Naturena.

Embracing the battle for the gloves

Leaner’s signing intensifies competition in the goalkeeping department at Chiefs, but Petersen insists he is relishing the challenge rather than resisting it.

“I think for us as a goalkeeping department, the competition is good and I don’t mind competition. If we can push each other to be the best, it doesn’t matter who gets the nod on the day, we know they’ll do well and I’m looking forward to working with him throughout the season and I know he’s going to do well,” he said.

With Da Cruz overseeing what is being viewed as a new era at the club, Petersen’s public backing of Leaner offers an insight into the culture Chiefs are trying to foster.

The captain believes that strong internal rivalry – rather than creating divisions – can raise standards across the squad as Amakhosi attempt to return to challenging consistently for major honours and reassert themselves among the country’s leading sides in the coming season.