Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper headache for Da Cruz with six options to choose from

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz has a big decision to make when it comes to who will be his first-choice goalkeeper next season following the many options available to him.

Chiefs were served very well by Brandon Petersen last season as he kept 15 clean sheets in 24 matches and pulled off top saves that won his team many points.

That saw him firm up the number one spot with Bruce Bvuma, who had played more in 2024-25, restricted to just five appearances. Further, Rwandan Fiacre Ntwari played just one game and he did not cover himself in glory as he refused to be taken off for the penalty shootouts in the Carling Knockout.

Bruce Bvuma and Brandon Petersen, Kaizer Chiefs. — Bruce Bvuma and Brandon Petersen of Kaizer Chiefs. Image: Kaizer Chiefs

However, ahead of the new season, Chiefs have offered Petersen and Bvuma new contracts, showing faith in the two, while they have just signed Renaldo Leaner as a free agent after he left Sekhukhune United.

Leander signing complicates matters further

Given he was highly-rated at Babina Noko and even caught the eye of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, Leaner is not coming to Naturena to warm the bench and it is not certain what Da Cruz and his new goalkeeper trainer Frenchman Olivier Sorin are thinking.

To add fuel to the fire, Chiefs have handed 23-year-old goalkeeper Bontle Molefe a new contract despite intensifying competition for the number one spot at Naturena.

Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner. Image: Kaizer Chiefs

Molefe, an academy graduate, spent the previous season on loan at Motsepe Foundation Championship side Leicesterford City to secure valuable first-team experience. His opportunities had been scarce within the Amakhosi senior team prior to the move.

How does Da Cruz juggle Chiefs keepers?

Having returned from his loan spell, Molefe was among the players who were welcomed by Da Cruz to the club’s headquarters. According to SABC, the club has tied him down to a fresh long-term deal, signaling their belief in his future potential.

Fiacre Ntwari, Kaizer Chiefs. Image: Kaizer Chiefs

Considered one of the club’s most promising goalkeeping talents since joining the development system in 2019, Molefe has been a key part of the club’s future plans. The towering shot-stopper has risen through the ranks under various coaching staffs, even during the later stages of Itumeleng Khune’s distinguished career.

There is also 19-year-old Takalani Mazhamba on Chiefs’ books while the future of Rwandan Ntwari is still not yet known.

It remains to be seen how Da Cruz juggles his goalkeepers but given how important it is to stick to one shot-stopper, keeping the rest happy will be a big headache for the French coach, even if some of them might be released or sent out on loan.