For perhaps the first time in recent memory, Kaizer Chiefs’ entire goalkeeping contingent was made up of products of their own youth system when they beat Magesi FC 2-0 in a league tie at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
In a matchday squad that featured 10 academy graduates, all goalkeeping options were developed within the Soweto giants’ ranks.
Notably, Chiefs’ goals came from academy products Wandile Duba and Mfundo Vilakazi, as they moved to fourth position.
The entire starting midfield of Lebohang Maboe, Mduduzi Shabalala and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo also came through the youth system, while Aden McCarthy featured in defence, and Thulani Mabaso was included in the squad.
With first-choice goalkeeper Brandon Petersen sidelined after undergoing surgery and Rwanda international Fiacre Ntwari unavailable due to health issues, Chiefs were forced to dig deep into their development structures.
Leading the trio was Bruce Bvuma, who continues to build momentum with back-to-back clean sheets. Bvuma has kept two clean sheets in four games after letting in three against Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby. He was also in goals when Amakhosi suffered a 1-0 away loss at the hands of Richards Bay FC. His first clean sheet of the season was in the 1-0 win over Durban City FC at the FNB Stadium recently.
On their bench on Saturday, 18-year-old Takalani Mazhamba provided cover, while 19-year-old Naphtali Mokoena watched from the stands as emergency backup.
NTWARI SETBACK AND MISSED OPPORTUNITY
The absence of Ntwari has implications beyond the club level. The 26-year-old, who has been Rwanda’s first-choice goalkeeper, will now miss the upcoming Four Nations tournament in Kigali during the FIFA international break.
His withdrawal is particularly significant given that he had recently been recalled by Rwanda’s new head coach, Stephen Constantine, presenting a fresh opportunity to reassert himself on the international stage and impress the new technical team.
Instead, the medical setback has temporarily halted that momentum, dealing a blow to both player and country.
Rwanda will kick off their FIFA Series campaign against Grenada at Amahoro Stadium on March 27. Both teams are in Group A, which also includes Kenya’s Harambee Stars and Estonia’s national football team.
Despite the setback, there are encouraging signs for Chiefs. Petersen is understood to be back training with the team. He could return to contention soon after the international break, which would provide much-needed experience in the goalkeeping department.
Chiefs will look to carry their momentum into their next fixture against Orbit College FC once domestic action resumes. They visit the struggling Betway Premiership newcomers in Rustenburg on Tuesday, 7 April at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.
Orbit are currently 15th, just four points ahead of basement side Magesi as they fight to keep their top-flight status.
RELATED STORY: Fiacre Ntwari keeps Rwanda spot despite coaching change