With question marks still hovering over the renewal of goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune's contract as a player, the Siya crew has been informed that Kaizer Chiefs have already made strategic decisions regarding their goalkeeping department.
Despite being strongly linked to TS Galaxy goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, Siya sources have indicated that Chiefs will opt to retain their existing goalkeepers, including Bruce Bvuma, Brandon Peterson, Bontle Molefe, and even promising talents from the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) side.
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Sources close to the club have added that Chiefs should be satisfied with their goalkeeping options and will see no need for further changes if Ntwari is signed.
"They are happy with all the goalkeepers they have right now. They want to keep all of them at the moment. Since Itu (Khune) is expected to retire, they still want to have four goalkeepers in the first team and that's why they are not releasing anyone. They want to have good competition amongst all the goalkeepers because they believe that's what will help the last line of defence and help in winning games. So, for them all four of the other goalkeepers (after Khune) in the first team are staying," the Siya source stated.
According to a second insider this decision underscores Chiefs' commitment to fostering a competitive environment among the goalkeepers, which is seen as crucial for strengthening the team's last line of defence and enhancing their performance in matches.
Regarding the selection of a starting goalkeeper, the insider added that no definitive choice has been made yet.
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"They will look at who will be playing league games and who will be playing cup games. But the way they talked, they said that the team will have two main goalkeepers, one for the league and one for cup games while the others will be backups either for injuries or suspensions. So that's why they are keeping four goalkeepers but the DDC goalkeepers who have been training with the senior team will continue training with the team. So, they will have those youngsters and four senior goalkeepers (if Ntwari is signed). So there is nothing changing apart from Itu retiring," the second source told Soccer Laduma.
Additionally, the young goalkeepers from the DDC who have been training with the senior team are expected to continue to do so, providing them with valuable experience and exposure to top-level training.
As Chiefs prepare for the upcoming season, the goalkeeping department's stability is seen as a vital component of their strategy to compete effectively across all fronts.
The club's approach reflects a blend of trust in established players and a commitment to nurturing emerging talent.