Leaner earns Sheppard’s praise after stepping in for injured Petersen

Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Dillon Sheppard praised goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner after he made his first start for the club in a goalless draw with Lamontville Golden Arrows.

Leaner replaced injured captain Brandon Petersen as Amakhosi were held 0-0 by Abafana Bes’thende at Mbombela Stadium. The 28-year-old was selected ahead of long-serving goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma for the tightly contested match.

Petersen is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks after suffering a severe knee injury, leaving Chiefs without their regular first choice in goal.

Former Sekhukhune United goalkeeper Leaner handled the pressure confidently, taking control of his penalty area and making several important interventions to keep Golden Arrows from scoring.

Speaking after the final whistle, Sheppard highlighted Leaner’s composure and contribution to the clean sheet.

“Very good. His leadership at the back, a couple of crucial saves that kept us in the game, very good,” Sheppard said, as quoted on the club’s official website.

“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 result extended Kaizer Chiefs’ unbeaten run, although it was their fourth draw in five matches. Despite the stalemate, Leaner’s performance has strengthened his case to continue in goal while Petersen remains unavailable.

Chiefs are fourth in the league table, with 13 points from their opening seven fixtures.

Leaner’s opportunity came unexpectedly after Petersen’s injury, but his assured display allowed Kaizer Chiefs to protect their position near the top of the table. His leadership and saves were particularly important in a match in which neither side could find a decisive breakthrough.

For Sheppard, the performance also underlined the value of squad depth, with Leaner taking his chance when called upon to replace the club captain.