With growing concerns over a potential goalkeeping crisis in South Africa, Sekhukhune United appear to be taking steps to address the issue.
Former national team goalkeeper Brian Baloyi and current Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos are among those who have voiced their worries about the diminishing numbers of local goalkeeping talent in the Betway Premiership, fearing it could impact the future of South African football.
Read – Baloyi Sounds The Alarm: SA's Growing GK Crisis
On Friday, in their Nedbank Cup quarter-final clash against Mamelodi Sundowns at Lucas Moripe Stadium, Sekhukhune United made a bold decision by starting Renaldo Leaner.
The 27-year-old, who had yet to make an appearance in domestic competitions this season, proved his worth by delivering an outstanding performance.
Despite facing a strong Sundowns attack, Leaner kept a clean sheet for nearly 120 minutes, only conceding in the dying moments of extra time to an in-form Jayden Adams. His efforts earned him the Man of the Match award.
An insider at Sekhukhune United highlighted Leaner's progress, noting that he had been working tirelessly in training and pushing for an opportunity.
The technical team has supported him, and the long-term goal is to see him in the Bafana setup.
Leaner's impressive performance against Sundowns proves his potential, and consistency will be key moving forward.
"Renaldo showed a lot of improvement in the last few weeks in training, and he has been pushing to be considered to start games. He's got the support of the technical team and everyone at the club, and he has been getting encouraged about not giving up. He is a very good goalkeeper, and it's just that he hasn't been getting a chance to play. The aim is to help him to get into Bafana Bafana, and now that he has managed to get some minutes on the field and did well like that, consistency will be key for him when he gets another chance," a close source revealed.
Read: Ntwari Considering Chiefs Exit Amid Growing Interest?
"Against Sundowns, he was told that it's one of those games that can make or break a player, and fortunately he delivered a top performance. From now on, he can only improve, and he will be supported right through. There was a time he wanted to give up, but because of the support he's been getting, that wouldn't have been allowed to happen. No one did him a favour to be selected to play against Sundowns, but it was his hard work from training paying off. He has been brilliant," the source concluded.
Leaner has gained PSL experience with matches over the last two seasons for Maritzburg United and then Cape Town Spurs, and will next need to gain more match experience before establishing himself as a no.1 in the Betway Premiership.
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By Masebe Qina
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