Sekhukhune United coach Paulus Masehe has defended his decision to substitute Renaldo Leaner following the goalkeeper’s horror show in a Betway Premiership loss to Stellenbosch FC on Friday night.
Costly blunders by the Bafana Bafana newbie gifted Stellenbosch two easy goals and a 3-1 victory at Athlone Stadium. Genino Palace and Chumani Butsaka profited from Leaner’s poor clearances to beat the 28-year-old shot-stopper and ensure maximum points for the hosts.
Masehe responded to the mistakes by taking off Leaner for Zambia international goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata with 10 minutes to go. The coach’s decision divided opinion as the former Capoe Town Spurs goalminder made the long walk to the bench, appearing embarrassed by both the errors and being dragged out of the game.
It was a difficult evening for Leaner, who might have dashed his hopes of going to the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the national team. His national team selection for March’s back-to-back international friendly matches against Panama sparked some fierce debate.
He was picked by coach Hugo Broos while Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine was sacrificed. Making his national team debut in the last match against Panama, he came on as a second-half substitute to concede two goals in the 2-1 defeat.
The dropping of the more experienced Chaine had Broos being criticised by some quarters of Bafana fans. But Learner’s schoolboy errors on Friday might not strengthen his case to be included in Broos’ final World Cup squad.
MASEHE JUSTIFIES HIS DECISION ON BAFANA WORLD CUP HOPEFUL LEANER
“I think it was more to protect him. His confidence was a bit low after committing two mistakes,” Masehe told SuperSport TV.
“It’s a game of football, it’s a game of mistakes. That’s why we are here to protect them [players], to make sure that at least we save a bit of pride for them.”
It was Masehe’s first match in charge of Babina Noko following Eric Tinkler’s exit earlier in the week. But his start as interim head coach had a huge dent with a defeat that complicated Sekhukhune’s top-three bid.
“At least I managed to add my identity and personality to the team,” remarked Masehe as his team dropped points.
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