Leaner: I Never Lost Hope
Renaldo Learner has opened up about his mindset following his inclusion in the Bafana Bafana squad, insisting he always believed he stood a chance of making the final selection.
The 28-year-old goalkeeper was part of a five-man preliminary group alongside Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine, Ricardo Goss, and Darren Johnson, with only Learner, Williams, and Goss ultimately securing places in the final squad.
Chaine and Johnson were unfortunate omissions as South Africa prepares to face Panama in two international friendlies on Friday and next Tuesday.
Reflecting on his call-up, Learner emphasized that being in the preliminary squad always gave him the belief that an opportunity could arise.
“I don’t feel like I was surprised to receive this call-up because in the preliminary squad there are always five goalkeepers,” he said.
“So, if your name is there, then you always need to be ready because anything can happen.
“There can be some incidents, and you need to be ready, so if you feel like you won’t make the final squad, then you won’t be ready to play, and I was always ready.”
Learner’s inclusion marks a significant moment for the shot-stopper, who was not part of the final squad that represented South Africa at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
On that occasion, Williams, Chaine, and Goss were preferred, leaving Learner to watch from the sidelines despite making the preliminary cut.
However, the setback did not dent his confidence or long-term ambitions, especially with the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon.
“I received a call-up (for the AFCON) by being included in the preliminary squad but not making it to the final squad, but that didn’t stop me believing that I will get the opportunity,” he added.
“The reason I didn’t lose hope that I will go to the World Cup is because I believe in myself and I know my abilities. I have been pushing hard at training, and eventually, my coach at my club gave me a chance and I grabbed it.
“So, I always had a dream that if I got a chance to play, then I would do my best. I can only control what is in my performances, and the rest I can’t control.”
As South Africa sharpens its preparations against Panama, Learner’s determination and resilience could prove crucial, with the goalkeeper firmly focused on turning this opportunity into a long-term place in the national setup ahead of the World Cup.
