‘A Giant Magnifying Glass’ – Leaner Honest On Chiefs Move
Kaizer Chiefs’ newly signed goalkeeper Renaldo Learner says joining Amakhosi is the fulfilment of a lifelong dream, admitting he has always wanted to wear the famous gold and black jersey while embracing the responsibility that comes with representing one of Africa’s biggest clubs.
The 28-year-old goalkeeper was unveiled as Chiefs’ latest signing earlier this month after leaving Sekhukhune United following the appointment of former Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze as the club’s new head coach.
Learner joins an already competitive goalkeeping department at Naturena, becoming the sixth senior goalkeeper alongside captain Brandon Petersen, Bruce Bvuma, Fiacre Ntwari, who is currently on loan at Kruger United, Bontle Molefe and promising youngster Takalani Mazhamba, who made his senior debut against Chippa United in Chiefs’ final match of last season while also featuring for the club’s reserve side.
Speaking to the club’s media department, Learner admitted that playing for Amakhosi had always been his ambition.
“I have always wanted to play for Chiefs, so when I became a free agent after my contract expired with my previous club, I chose to join Kaizer Chiefs,” he said.
“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 it a world-class training base.”
While joining South Africa’s most supported club comes with enormous expectations, Learner believes he has both the footballing ability and mental strength to thrive under the spotlight that comes with wearing the Chiefs badge.
The Bafana Bafana goalkeeper also expressed his gratitude for the warm reception he has received from supporters since completing the move.
“I would like to thank you all for welcoming me so warmly. Kaizer Chiefs fans are the most passionate,” he added.
“I have received a lot of love over the past few days. I have literally been a Chiefs player for less than a week, and I already have many new followers sending me messages of encouragement on social media.
“It made me realise that I have reached a higher level than before, and that comes with greater professional responsibility because it’s like having a magnifying glass on you in terms of exposure. I believe I have the footballing ability and mentality to cope with the added pressure of playing for the biggest club in the country.
“I invite you all to come and support us, and we will do everything in our power to make you proud this season because your belief in the team is a great motivator for us to give you reasons to celebrate.”
Learner is currently in Spain with the Glamour Boys as they continue preparations for the 2026/27 season, and he admitted the whirlwind nature of his move has yet to fully sink in.
“It’s still a bit of a shock to me to be in Spain with Kaizer Chiefs right now because everything happened so quickly,” he said.
“I travelled with the team just two days after signing. It’s very hot here, but we have top-quality facilities, so the camp is going very well. We are working hard to be in the best possible shape to get the new season off to a good start.”
Having realised a childhood dream, Learner will now be aiming to establish himself in Chiefs’ goalkeeping ranks and make his competitive debut when Amakhosi begin their 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign away to Kruger United in Mpumalanga on 1 August.
