Kaizer Chiefs captain Brandon Petersen has thrown his support behind the signing of fellow goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner, insisting the new arrival will strengthen Amakhosi as competition for the number one jersey intensifies ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Leaner joined Chiefs on a free transfer after leaving Sekhukhune United, becoming one of several additions as Fernando Da Cruz continues to reshape his squad before the new Betway Premiership campaign.
For Petersen, however, the signing is about more than adding another quality goalkeeper to the squad. It also marks the reunion of two players whose football journeys have been closely intertwined from an early age.
The pair attended the same high school, where Petersen served as head boy while Leaner was still making his way through the ranks. They also graduated from the renowned Ajax Cape Town academy (Cape Town Spurs), which has produced a host of South African internationals over the years.
Although their careers later took different paths, Petersen says he has followed Leaner’s progress closely.
“I think it’s a good signing for the team. Renaldo is a phenomenal goalkeeper. I’ve known him since we were very young, I was his head boy in high school and we’ve always had a good relationship,” said Petersen.
Leaner endured a difficult start to his senior career after being part of the Ajax Cape Town side that suffered relegation from the Premiership in 2018.
Rather than allowing that setback to define him, the 28-year-old rebuilt his career through spells at the now-defunct Maritzburg United, before impressing at Sekhukhune United to earn another opportunity at one of South Africa’s biggest clubs.
Petersen believes that journey reflects Leaner’s character.
“It’s been great for me to see how he grow as a goalkeeper coming from the Ajax Academy and how he fought his way back into the PSL to be where he is today. It’s a great opportunity for him as well.”
The arrival of Leaner also increases competition in the Chiefs goalkeeping department, with Petersen making it clear he welcomes the challenge rather than fearing it.
The Chiefs skipper believes internal competition will ultimately benefit both the players and the club as Amakhosi look to return to competing for major honours.
“I think for us as a goalkeeping department, the competition is good and I don’t mind competition. If we can push each other to be the best, it doesn’t matter who gets the nod on the day, we know they’ll do well and I’m looking forward to working with him throughout the season and I know he’s going to do well.”
With Chiefs entering a new era under Da Cruz, Petersen’s endorsement of Leaner highlights the culture the club hopes to build.
Rather than viewing the battle for places as a source of division, the captain believes healthy competition will raise standards across the squad as Chiefs chase silverware and look to re-establish themselves among the country’s elite during the new campaign.
