Da Cruz explains Renaldo Leaner’s absence as Kaizer Chiefs exit CAF Confederation Cup

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz has confirmed that goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner missed the CAF Confederation Cup tie against Red Arrows after suffering a finger injury in training.

The Amakhosi were knocked out of the competition on Friday evening, losing in a penalty shootout after the two legs ended 1-1 on aggregate.

Bruce Bvuma replaced Leaner in goal for the second leg at Moses Mabhida Stadium, making his first appearance of the season.

Leaner had been playing regularly since first-choice goalkeeper Brandon Petersen was injured. But he was hurt during Thursday’s session, leaving Da Cruz to make a late change for the decisive match.

“Yesterday in the matchday minus one, Renaldo was injured in his finger,” said Da Cruz.

“So, he couldn’t play and we said yesterday, we haven’t been lucky with injuries.”

Da Cruz said the goalkeeper’s absence was part of a wider injury problem affecting the squad, although he remained encouraged by the team’s display against Red Arrows.

“When you see our team today, we have five players injured, and when you look at the performance of the team, it’s very positive.”