Leaner gives Da Cruz a headache as Chiefs face Petersen decision

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz could have a headache having to choose between Renaldo Leaner and Brandon Petersen in goals.

With Petersen injured last month, Leaner stepped in and has received widespread praise after making an assured debut in goal for Amakhosi in their 0-0 Betway Premiership draw against Lamontville Golden Arrows.

Before Petersen’s injury, the Amakhosi captain made a number of costly errors which led to goals. Some fans called for the captain to be benched but Da Cruz made it clear that the Cape Town-born keeper will remain his number one.

Leaner, who arrived at Naturena in July after leaving Sekhukhune United, was drafted in at relatively short notice due to the unfortunate injury suffered by Kaizer Chiefs captain.

“It was really exciting for me to play my first game because it has always been a dream for me to play for Kaizer Chiefs, one of the biggest teams in South Africa,” Leaner tolf www.kaizerchiefs.com.

Leaner took his opportunity with both hands, making two particularly good close-range saves that kept Amakhosi in the game and commanding his penalty area with authority throughout the 90 minutes.

Chiefs might have to drop Petersen for Learner

The former Sekhukhune United keeper explained how he remained calm in goals on his debut.

“I was able to make those saves because I went into the game with confidence and was very focused, which made me ready for action,” he says.

“I see a bright future for myself where I can become a better goalkeeper in the future and achieve great things in my career,” he says.

Amakhosi will be back in action next Tuesday against Stellenbosch at FNB stadium at 19:30. It remains to be seen if Leaner or Petersen will be in goals for Chiefs next week.