Kaizer Chiefs coach gives Renaldo Leaner verdict after debut

Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Dillon Sheppard has weighed in on Renaldo Leaner's debut in their goalless draw with Golden Arrows in the Betway Premiership over the weekend.

The 28-year-old shot-stopper arrived at Naturena as a free agent in July 2026 after parting ways with fellow topflight side Sekhukhune United, who missed the deadline to exercise the option in his contract.

He has been playing deputy to first choice goalie and club captain Brandon Petersen, who is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury that's expected to keep him out of action for four to six weeks.

Sheppard was impressed with Leaner's first outing in the famous jersey of Chiefs, pointing out to his leadership in between the sticks, and says the player oozes confidence.

“He was very good. He showed leadership at the back and made a couple of crucial saves to keep us in the game. You know, that's why we have a squad,” said the Amakhosi second in command.

"When players get injured, other players come in and take their chance. I'm very happy for him. He has come in confident with the right attitude and, as you saw, he kept a clean sheet.

On the Soweto giants dropping points yet again, making it back-to-back draws in the league, the CAF A and UEFA A License holder bemoaned the recurring lack of cutting edge as he believes his team let Arrows off the hook.

“It was a fair result. They had a couple of chances, especially near the end, but overall, I think we deserved to win it if you look at the balance of the game,” Sheppard added.

"We have been getting into the final third, which is where the action happens near the opposition box. Our creativity has been good, it's just a matter of sticking our chances away.

"The good thing is that we are creating chances. That's a positive, so we just have to carry on with that.

Chiefs return to action with a visit to Zambian Super League outfit Red Arrows in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round tie after the three-week FIFA International break.

Hlayisani Magoro

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Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

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