Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner earns praise after debut clean sheet

Former Orlando Pirates striker and analyst Phumudzo Manenzhe believes Renaldo Leaner has given Kaizer Chiefs a genuine selection dilemma after stepping in for the injured Brandon Petersen.

Leaner made his unexpected debut in goal during Chiefs’ 0-0 draw away to Lamontville Golden Arrows, after Petersen picked up an injury in training. The 0–0 result was Leaner’s only appearance for Amakhosi this term.

Petersen had come under increasing pressure from Kaizer Chiefs supporters after a series of costly mistakes in recent matches. Despite that criticism, he had been the club’s regular first-choice goalkeeper before his latest setback.

Leaner responded to the circumstances with a composed display, helping Chiefs secure a clean sheet in a tightly contested Betway Premiership match. The visitors controlled much of the possession but were unable to turn that advantage into three points.

Their best opportunity came in the first half, when Lebohang Maboe missed a penalty in the 32nd minute.

Manenzhe said Leaner’s willingness to put himself in danger to make an important save was one of the defining moments of the game.

“For me, Leaner has to get the credit for everything that happened,” Manenzhe said while reviewing the match on ExtraTime.

“That’s what you need [from a goalkeeper], that’s why you’ve got the advantage of using your hands.

“Everyone, Deon and Co were attacking the ball, but he (Leaner) says, ‘I’ll be brave enough; I’ll put my body on the line to get the ball,’ and he really makes a great save.”

The former Orlando Pirates forward also suggested that Leaner’s performance could force the club to reconsider who should start in goal when Petersen is fit again.

“That’s a position where Kaizer Chiefs have been suffering this season,” he said. “Yes, Petersen was great last season, but at the start of this season there were characteristics or mistakes that he was making.

“Leaner gets an opportunity through an injury. Will he give the shirt back? I don’t think he will make it easy.”

The draw leaves Kaizer Chiefs seventh in the league standings, with 11 points from their opening seven fixtures. However, the dropped points mean Amakhosi are now eight points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

The result extended Chiefs’ wait for a stronger push up the table, while Leaner’s performance has added a new consideration to their goalkeeping situation.