Kaizer Chiefs new signing receives Khune’s endorsement – ‘I’m a big fan’

Kaizer Chiefs icon Itumeleng Khune has warmly welcomed new signing Renaldo Leaner, expressing his pride in the club’s acquisition of the highly-rated goalkeeper for the upcoming season.

Leaner made the switch to Amakhosi from Sekhukhune United earlier this month and was part of the squad in pre-season in Spain.

The 28-year-old is also anticipated to feature in the team’s preparations for the Toyota Cup match against Scottland FC in Rustenburg this weekend.

Speaking at a 2026 FIFA World Cup viewing event in Johannesburg, Khune made it clear that he fully supports the arrival of new talent and holds no resentment towards any goalkeeper joining the club.

Khune backs new goalkeeper to thrive

“I’m a big fan of Renaldo, and I’m proud that Kaizer Chiefs went all out to get him,” Khune stated as per Soccer Laduma. “Any goalkeeper that signs with Kaizer Chiefs, I will never be jealous of. I will support the goalkeeper wholeheartedly.”

Khune praised Leaner’s hard work and consistent performances at Sekhukhune United, which established him as one of the premier goalkeepers in the league and earned him call-ups to the Bafana Bafana squad.

“He deserves all my respect. He deserves everything that is coming for him because he has really worked hard at Sekhukhune,” Khune explained. “He got Bafana Bafana call-ups and has played for the national team.”

The veteran goalkeeper also shared that he had already reached out to Leaner personally to congratulate him on the move. “If you check my Instagram, I’ve been communicating a lot with him. I congratulated him and welcomed him to Kaizer Chiefs. He came back to me and said, ‘Legend, thank you very much.'”

Chiefs legend makes wish to Leaner

After a remarkable 25-year career with the club, Khune emphasised his desire to see the next generation of players thrive at Kaizer Chiefs.

“I want to see footballers prosper,” he said. “I want to see them doing very well for themselves and helping the club that I grew up supporting and served for 25 years.”

In a final gesture of goodwill, Khune wished Leaner success at Naturena and even suggested he would be happy to see the new keeper take on his famous No. 32 jersey, a number synonymous with his own legendary career.

“So, I’m very proud of Renaldo Leaner for signing, and I wish he could wear number 32.”