Khune Endorses New Chiefs Goalkeeper Leaner
Former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune has backed the club’s new signing, Renaldo Leaner, saying the goalkeeper deserves the opportunity to establish himself as Amakhosi’s first-choice shot-stopper.
The 28-year-old joined the Soweto giants earlier this month after leaving Sekhukhune United, bolstering Chiefs’ goalkeeping department ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Leaner was also part of the Chiefs squad that travelled to Spain for their pre-season training camp, where Amakhosi drew two matches and lost one of their three friendly fixtures as they prepared for the new campaign.
Khune believes Leaner has both the quality and experience to challenge for the number one jersey at Naturena.
“I’m a big fan of Renaldo, and I’m proud that Kaizer Chiefs went all out to sign him,” said Khune.
“Yes, I wore the number one jersey at Kaizer Chiefs for 25 years, but I’m always proud to see any goalkeeper sign for Chiefs. I’ll never be jealous of them; I’ll support them wholeheartedly.
“He deserves all my respect. He deserves everything that is coming his way because he has worked hard at Sekhukhune United, earned a Bafana Bafana call-up and has represented the national team.”
Khune revealed that he has already welcomed Leaner to the club and has been in regular contact with him since the move was announced.
“If you check my Instagram, you’ll see that I’ve been communicating with him a lot. I congratulated him and welcomed him to Kaizer Chiefs. If you look at the pictures from when he signed and was unveiled, you’ll see my comment there. He replied to me and said, ‘Legend, thank you very much.’
“I’m not protective of my records. As a club legend, I want to see footballers prosper. I want to see them succeed and help the club that I grew up supporting.”
The former Bafana Bafana captain also offered advice to Leaner as he prepares for life at one of South Africa’s biggest clubs.
“Just go out there, enjoy yourself and remember that Kaizer Chiefs supporters demand results,” Khune said.
“They want you to enjoy your football, but at the same time they expect you to deliver results. Put smiles on their faces, and they will love you dearly.”
Leaner will compete with Brandon Petersen and Bruce Bvuma for the starting goalkeeper’s role this season, while Rwanda international Fiacre Ntwari has been loaned out to newly promoted Betway Premiership side Kruger United.
