Leaner earns Sheppard’s praise after clean-sheet Chiefs debut

Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Dillon Sheppard praised Renaldo Leaner after the goalkeeper made his first start for the club in Sunday’s goalless Betway Premiership draw with Golden Arrows.

Leaner was brought into the starting line-up for the match at Mbombela Stadium after Brandon Petersen was ruled out through injury. The 28-year-old responded with a composed display as Chiefs kept Arrows from scoring and secured a point.

The goalkeeper joined the Glamour Boys at the beginning of the season following his unexpected departure from Sekhukhune United. He is understood to be second in the goalkeeping order at Amakhosi, but was given his opportunity because of Petersen’s absence.

Leaner made several important interventions during the contest, helping the Soweto giants withstand Arrows’ threat and preserve a clean sheet.

Sheppard highlighted the goalkeeper’s contribution when asked to assess his debut.

“Very good,” Sheppard told journalists.

“His leadership at the back, a couple of crucial saves that kept us in the game, very good.

“And that’s why you have a squad, when players get injured and other players step in, they take the chance. So, very happy for him.

“He’s come in with a lot of confidence and patience, so we kept a clean sheet today, so very good for him.”

The shutout offered Leaner a positive beginning to his time as Chiefs’ goalkeeper and demonstrated that he could be trusted when called upon.

Chiefs will play again on October 17, when they meet Stellenbosch FC in the Betway Premiership following the FIFA international break.