Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Dillon Sheppard has delivered a glowing assessment of goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner. The 28-year-old shot-stopper started in place of the injured Brandon Petersen during Amakhosi’s recent fixture.
Leaner went straight into action for the Soweto giants in a tight 0-0 draw against Lamontville Golden Arrows at Mbombela Stadium. The decision saw the former Sekhukhune United player start ahead of long-serving goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma.
The start came as Brandon Petersen faces four to six weeks on the sidelines with a severe knee injury.
Sheppard Praises Composure and Leadership
The debutant commanded his penalty area with authority and made vital interventions to keep Abafana Bes’thende at bay. Speaking to the media after the final whistle, Sheppard highlighted the keeper’s composure under pressure.
“Very good. His leadership at the back, a couple of crucial saves that kept us in the game, very good,” Sheppard stated on the club’s official website, as reported by kickoff.com.
“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.”
Impact on the Log Table
The result was a frustrating stalemate that marked Chiefs’ fourth draw in five matches. However, it also extended their overall unbeaten run.
Chiefs currently sit fourth on the log table with 13 points from their opening seven league fixtures.
Leaner’s strong performance shows the value of squad depth during a long league campaign. When key players suffer injuries, reliable backup options remain essential for maintaining consistency. Leaner has clearly raised his hand as a viable long-term option in goal.
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