Kaizer Chiefs’ newly signed goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner has opened up on his dream move to the Soweto giants, revealing that he always wanted to play for the club.
The highly rated goalkeeper joined Kaizer Chiefs during the current transfer window as a free agent, following the expiry of his contract with Sekhukhune United. Leaner’s departure as a free agent came as a surprise, given that he had established himself as one of the most valuable assets for the Limpopo-based side.
The 28-year-old has been a regular starter at Sekhukhune for the past two seasons, showcasing his impressive reflexes between the sticks.
Leaner spent three seasons with Babina Noko after joining from Maritzburg United back in 2023. The latter went on to change their name to Durban City FC while competing in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
At Sekhukhune United, Leaner made 45 appearances in all competitions, conceding 42 goals while also keeping 15 clean sheets. His spirited performances earned him a maiden Bafana Bafana call-up under Hugo Broos a few months ago.
The former Ajax Cape Town goalkeeper was part of the Bafana squad that played two friendlies against Panama in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, he marginally missed out on the final cut for the global showpiece, with Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine, and Ricardo Goss making the squad.
WHAT RENALDO LEANER SAID ABOUT THE KAIZER CHIEFS SWITCH
Having underlined his name as one of the best goalkeepers in the PSL, Leaner made a big move to the Glamour Boys ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Speaking to the Chiefs media team at Spain’s Pinatar Arena on Wednesday, Leaner reflected on his move. He admitted that playing for the Naturena-based side had always been a dream, revealing that he didn’t hesitate to sign once he became a free agent.
“I have always wanted to play for Chiefs, so when I became a free agent after my contract expired with my previous club, I chose to join Kaizer Chiefs,” Leaner said.
“Actually, my first time at the Village in Naturena was when I went to sign for Chiefs. I was amazed and impressed by what I saw when they took me on a tour of the facilities. It made me even more eager to start because everything is here to make a world-class training base.”
Leaner is part of the Chiefs squad currently in Spain for pre-season training. The team is gearing up for what promises to be a gruelling campaign, marking their return to the MTN8 for the first time in two seasons. Along with their league and domestic cup commitments, Amakhosi are also set to compete in the CAF Confederation Cup.
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