‘Super talented’ Chiefs bench warmer told to shape up

Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma has been advised to show why he deserves a chance to play in the wake of his lack of opportunities.

Bvuma has not played for Chiefs since April and even then, he made just five appearances in the whole of last season, having fallen behind Brandon Petersen in the pecking order.

His opportunities came when Petersen was out injured and as soon as he returned, Bvuma was back on the bench.

Bruce Bvuma, Kaizer Chiefs. Image: Kaizer Chiefs

That is in contrast to 2024-25, when he was ahead of Petersen, making 23 appearances across all competitions, but his situation has been made more difficult with the arrival of Renaldo Leaner, who is now second choice.

Bvuma advised over limited opportunities

However, Chiefs legend Brian Baloyi, who mentored Bvuma, believes all is not lost for the 31-year-old but he needs to prove to coach Fernando da Cruz why he should play and he should not be afraid to seek opportunities elsewhere, before returning like some did at the club before.

Bruce Bvuma during warm-up — Bruce Bvuma – Picture by Kaizer Chiefs

“It is never too late. Arthur Baartman was at Chiefs for many years, he never played, he was sitting on the bench for me,” Baloyi said on SoccerBeat.

“He did not play, left and came back in his 30s and played and was one of the best keepers in the country. One of the best keepers at the time when he was there with Itu [Itumeleng Khune] and he pushed himself.”

Bruce Bvuma of Kaizer Chiefs. Image – Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs keeper told to rise to occasion

Baloyi admits Bvuma is highly talented but needs to show character to be trusted between the posts by Da Cruz otherwise all that quality could go to waste.

“So for Bruce, I coached Bruce when he was a teenager and he is super talented,” he added. “There is no question about. Talent? He’s got, it but in football, talent alone is not enough.”