Renaldo Leaner has received widespread praise after making an assured debut in goal for Kaizer Chiefs in their 0-0 Betway Premiership draw against Lamontville Golden Arrows at Mbombela stadium in Nelspruit over a week ago.

Leaner, who arrived at Naturena in July after leaving Sekhukhune United, was drafted in at relatively short notice due to the unfortunate injury suffered by Brandon Petersen in the week leading up to the match.

“It was really exciting for me to play my first game because it has always been a dream for me to play for Kaizer Chiefs, one of the biggest teams in South Africa,” the 28-year-old tells www.kaizerchiefs.com as he reflects on achieving a lifelong ambition.

A consummate professional who takes his football extremely seriously, Leaner took his opportunity with both hands, making two particularly good close-range saves that kept Amakhosi in the game and commanding his penalty area with authority throughout the 90 minutes, showing wise judgement in coming off his line to claim the ball or punch it away from danger to ensure his - and Amakhosi’s - goal remained unbreached.

“I was able to make those saves because I went into the game with confidence and was very focused, which made me ready for action,” he says.

Amakhosi were not in action due to the FIFA international break but, with Petersen still expected to be unavailable when domestic football resumes next week, the 1.87m shot-stopper intends to capitalise on his opportunity to feature more in the Chiefs goal by working even harder to continuously improve.

“I see a bright future for myself where I can become a better goalkeeper in the future and achieve great things in my career,” he says.

Amakhosi will be back in action next Tuesday against Stellenbosch at FNB stadium at 19:30.