Leaner or Petersen? Da Cruz Faces a Goalkeeper Dilemma at Kaizer Chiefs
Fernando Da Cruz might just have a pleasant problem on his hands at Naturena. Renaldo Leaner has stepped into Brandon Petersen’s gloves and done so well that Amakhosi fans are asking whether the captain should walk straight back into the team once he is fit.
Petersen’s injury last month opened the door for Leaner, who made his Chiefs debut in the 0-0 Betway Premiership draw against Lamontville Golden Arrows. He looked assured from the first whistle, pulled off two sharp close-range saves to keep Chiefs in the contest, and ruled his penalty area for the full 90 minutes. The praise has been widespread.
Petersen’s Shaky Spell
The timing makes the debate more interesting. Before his injury, Petersen made several costly errors that led to goals, and some supporters were calling for the captain to be benched. Da Cruz shut that talk down, making it clear the Cape Town-born keeper remained his number one.
That was before Leaner arrived on the scene and made life difficult for the coach.
A Dream Debut
Leaner joined Chiefs in July from Sekhukhune United and was thrown in at short notice. You would never have known it from the performance. “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,” he told the club’s official website.
He also explained how he kept his composure on the big occasion. “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 said. Looking further ahead, he added: “I see a bright future for myself where I can become a better goalkeeper in the future and achieve great things in my career.”
Who Starts Against Stellenbosch?
Chiefs are back in action next Tuesday against Stellenbosch at FNB Stadium, with kick-off at 19:30. Whether Petersen returns to the starting XI or Leaner keeps his place remains to be seen, and Da Cruz’s decision will say a lot about how he rewards form against loyalty to his captain.
Amakhosi supporters will have a strong opinion either way.
