Kaizer Chiefs make surprise Fiacre Ntwari decision ahead of Kruger United loan

Kaizer Chiefs have made a bold statement over Fiacre Ntwari’s future by allowing the Rwandan goalkeeper to play against them during his season-long loan spell at Kruger United.

The 26-year-old has joined the newly promoted Premier Soccer League side for the 2026-27 campaign after slipping down the pecking order at Naturena. However, unlike several of their domestic rivals, Chiefs have chosen not to include a clause preventing the goalkeeper from facing his parent club in league or cup competitions.

The decision signals that Amakhosi remain open to Ntwari proving himself away from the club before potentially returning to challenge for a first-team place.

Chiefs break from common PSL practice

According to SABC Sport, Chiefs did not place any restrictions on Ntwari’s participation against them when negotiating the loan agreement with Kruger United.

The approach differs from that of several Premier Soccer League heavyweights, who have previously blocked loan players from featuring against their parent clubs.

Last season, Orlando Pirates prevented Monnapule Saleng from playing against them while he was on loan at Orbit College. Mamelodi Sundowns adopted a similar stance with Asekho Tiwani during his temporary spell at Stellenbosch FC.

Chiefs’ willingness to let Ntwari compete against them suggests confidence in the goalkeeper’s development and offers him the opportunity to test himself against his employers should the two clubs meet during the campaign.

Loan move offers chance to revive career

Ntwari arrived at Chiefs from TS Galaxy with high expectations but struggled to establish himself as the club’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper.

A series of inconsistent displays limited his opportunities, while captain Brandon Petersen cemented his place between the posts. The arrival of Renaldo Leaner further reduced Ntwari’s chances of regular football, making a loan move the most practical solution for all parties.

The season at Kruger United now presents the Rwanda international with an opportunity to rebuild his confidence through consistent game time while keeping alive his prospects of returning to Chiefs.

Should he impress throughout the campaign, Amakhosi retain the option of reintegrating him into the squad ahead of future seasons.

Numbers behind Ntwari’s Chiefs struggles

Ntwari made only eight appearances across all competitions during his time with Chiefs, managing one clean sheet while conceding 11 goals.

His broader Premier Soccer League record paints a slightly stronger picture. Across 40 top-flight appearances since arriving in South Africa, the Rwanda international has conceded 40 goals and kept 13 clean sheets.

Despite his struggles at club level, Ntwari remains Rwanda’s first-choice goalkeeper and has earned 27 senior international caps.