Why Kaizer Chiefs have had a goalkeeping problem for over six years

Kaizer Chiefs have not enjoyed genuine stability in the goalkeeping department for more than six years.

Since the decline and eventual retirement of club legend Itumeleng Khune, Amakhosi have struggled to find a goalkeeper capable of establishing himself as a long-term No.1.

Even before Khune officially left the club, his position as first choice had already been lost. Daniel Akpeyi was brought in and given an opportunity, but his time as the club’s No.1 was far from convincing.

Brandon Petersen and Bruce Bvuma were subsequently given opportunities, but neither managed to completely convince. Errors and inconsistent performances meant Chiefs continued to rotate their options between the sticks.

The arrival of Fiacre Ntwari in 2024 appeared to offer a possible solution. The Rwanda international was seen as a positive signing, but his stay as first choice lasted just seven matches before costly mistakes saw him drop to the bench.

Kaizer Chiefs keeps reschuffling keepers

Bvuma was then trusted again late in 2024, but Amakhosi still could not find the consistency they needed. His inability to regularly keep clean sheets eventually opened the door for Petersen once more.

Petersen appeared to finally be the answer. After an impressive performance in the 2025 Nedbank Cup final, he was handed the captaincy and established himself as Kaizer Chiefs’ first-choice goalkeeper.

His 2025/26 campaign strengthened that argument, with Petersen earning a nomination for Goalkeeper of the Season and coming close to making Bafana Bafana’s World Cup squad.

Petersen returns to his old ways, Kaizer Chiefs suffer

Petersen has looked vulnerable at times and has already made four errors leading directly to goals. An injury has now forced Chiefs into another change, with Renaldo Leaner taking over in goal.

And that brings Chiefs back to the same question they have faced repeatedly over the past six years: when will they finally find a goalkeeper they can trust for more than one or two seasons?

The problem is not necessarily a lack of talent. Amakhosi have had experienced goalkeepers, promising youngsters and international-calibre options. The bigger issue appears to be the constant changing.

The goalkeeper changes have often coincided with changes in the defence in front of them. Just as a goalkeeper begins to establish himself, an error, loss of form or injury can lead to another change. The backline can also be reshuffled, meaning the goalkeeper is constantly having to build new relationships with his defenders.

That lack of continuity can be costly. For a club of Kaizer Chiefs’ stature, six years is a long time to still be searching for a long-term No.1.

Petersen had appeared to break that cycle. His form last season suggested Amakhosi may finally have found someone capable of holding the position for the long term. This season, however, has raised the same old questions.

With Petersen now injured and Leaner stepping in, Kaizer Chiefs face yet another goalkeeping transition.

Will Leaner be the answer?