Kaizer Chiefs: How Leaner can capitalise on Petersen’s injury

Brandon Petersen’s injury has opened the door for Renaldo Leaner between the posts at Kaizer Chiefs.

Chiefs are set to make their first goalkeeping change of the season after a training ground injury ruled out first-choice shot-stopper Petersen ahead of their league fixture against Golden Arrows on Sunday, September 20.

The unfortunate incident occurred on Tuesday morning, forcing Amakhosi to alter their plans for the upcoming match. The game, a home fixture for Arrows, will be played at Mbombela Stadium on Sunday.

Petersen, who has been the subject of recent criticism for his performance against Polokwane City, where he made an error that led to Rise and Shine’s equaliser, is now facing a significant spell on the sidelines.

Petersen’s mistakes proved costly

The injury now paves the way for Renaldo Leaner to potentially make his debut for the club. Leaner joined Chiefs ahead of this season as a free agent following his departure from Sekhukhune and there have been calls for his inclusion in the wake of Petersen’s mistakes.

In seven appearances this season, Petersen has conceded eight goals and managed only one clean sheet.

There have also been big errors, leading to goals, the first one against Arrows in the MTN8 quarter-final, which saw Chiefs eliminated, before his missed a high ball as Mamelodi Sundowns scored an equaliser in a league match.

Petersen was also at fault against Richards Bay in a league fixture that ended in a 2-2 draw before last weekend’s mistake in Polokwane.

Leaner’s chance to become Chiefs No.1

In an official statement, the club detailed the extent of Petersen’s injury. “Goalkeeper Brandon Petersen sustained a knee injury during training on Tuesday morning and will be sidelined for an estimated four to six weeks,” the statement read.

“The experienced shot-stopper, who has featured in every match since the season kicked off in August, injured the medial collateral ligament in his left knee and will now undergo rehabilitation.”

Now in his absence, Leaner has an opportunity to stake claim on the No.1 spot.

Leaner will get his chance to impress on Sunday and if he does, more tough tests will follow as Amakhosi will take on Stellenbosch FC on October 17 after the international break before the Soweto Derby on October 31.

Top performances from Leaner in those matches would leave coach Fernando da Cruz in a tight spot when Petersen is fit as it would be hard to drop a goalkeeper on top form for one just returning from injury and whose previous displays had been littered with mistakes.