Kaizer Chiefs new signing surprised by new-found fame since joining

Kaizer Chiefs new signing Renaldo Leaner has revealed his surprise at the huge social media following he has garnered in just one week at the club.

Learner was Chiefs second signing and was unveiled last week just two days before the club left for pre-season camp in Spain.

The Cape Town-born goalkeeper signed for Chiefs as a free agent after leaving Sekhukhune United and as he looks forward to making an instant impact at Naturena, he is taken aback by how huge his social media followers is growing.

Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner. Image: Kaizer Chiefs

“Kaizer Chiefs fans are the most passionate. I have received a lot of love these past days,” Leaner said in his first interview with the club.

Leaner taken aback by huge following

“I have literally been a Chiefs player for less than seven days and already I have a lot of new followers sending so many messages of encouragement on social media. It made me realise I have reached a higher platform than before so it also comes with extra professional responsibility because it’s a bit like having a magnifying glass on you from an exposure point of view.”

Leaner believes the huge following is a statement of endorsement that adds pressure on him to perform and he hopes to nail down a place in goal and repay the love he is receiving from Chiefs supporters.

Kaizer Chiefs chairman Kaizer Motaung and ndw signing Renaldo Leaner — Kaizer Motaung and Renaldo Leaner – Image: Kaizer Chiefs

“I believe I have the footballing ability and mentality to cope with the added pressure of playing for the biggest club in the country,” Leader further stated.

“I invite you all to come and support us and we will do everything in our power to make them proud this season because your belief in the team is a great motivator for us to give you reasons to celebrate.”

What encouraged keeper to join Chiefs

The goalkeeper also revealed how he was encouraged to sign for Chiefs the moment he landed at the club’s base in Naturena.

Renaldo Leaner playing for Kaizer Chiefs against Rangers in pre-season. Photo: Kaizer Chiefs

“Actually, my first time at the Village in Naturena was when I went to sign for Chiefs. I was amazed and impressed by what I saw when they took me on a tour of the facilities. It made me even more eager to start because everything is here to make a world-class training base,” he said.

The 28-year-old has described Chiefs legend Itumeleng Khune, German and Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer as well as Edwin Van Der Sar, the former Manchester United goalkeeper, as his idols.