Kaizer Chiefs dealt major blow as goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner faces thumb surgery ahead of Soweto derby

Kaizer Chiefs have suffered a major setback after first-choice goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner sustained a serious ligament tear in his thumb and is scheduled to undergo emergency surgery on Wednesday, October 28.

The injury is a significant blow to Amakhosi’s preparations for a demanding run of fixtures, with the Soweto giants set to face TS Galaxy before taking on fierce rivals Orlando Pirates in Saturday’s highly anticipated Soweto Derby.

According to reports, Leaner’s injury requires immediate surgical intervention, leaving the technical team with the task of finding a replacement for the crucial encounters.

The goalkeeper’s absence comes at a particularly difficult time for Kaizer Chiefs, who are working to improve their position in the South African Premiership standings amid a congested fixture schedule.

With Leaner sidelined, Bruce Bvuma is expected to shoulder greater responsibility between the posts as the club prepares for two important domestic fixtures.

Bvuma will be under pressure to deliver solid performances, particularly against Orlando Pirates, where the stakes are always high given the intense rivalry between the two Soweto clubs.

Kaizer Chiefs have reportedly expressed their support for Leaner and wished him a speedy recovery as he prepares for surgery.

The club will now hope their remaining goalkeeping options can step up during his absence, with the injury threatening to disrupt their defensive stability at a crucial stage of the campaign.