Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Dillon Sheppard has hailed the official debut of goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner who replaced the injured Brandon Petersen.
Leaner, 28, joined Amakhosi on a free transfer after parting ways with Sekhukhune United. However, he had to bide his time, with Petersen starting the season between the sticks for Amakhosi.
However, Petersen picked up a knee injury in training last week and will be sidelined for four to six weeks, according to his club.
Petersen’s absence gave Leaner a chance to impress and he grabbed it with both hands, with Sheppard – who stood in for post-match duties for Fernando Da Cruz – hailing the display of the keeper.
“Very good,” he told reporters when asked about Leaner’s display.
“His leadership at the back, a couple of crucial saves to keep us in the game. Very good.
“That’s why you have a squad, when players get injured, others are given a chance.
“I’m very happy for him, he’s come on with a lot of confidence, and as you saw he’s kept a clean sheet today, so very good.”
Chiefs are only back in action 17 October when they will face Stellenbosch FC. Amakhosi remain unbeaten in the Betway Premiership this season, but have now drawn four out of their last five games.
The 0-0 with Abafana Bes’thende saw them remain in fourth place with 13 points from seven games – three behind third-placed AmaZulu and seven behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have a game in hand.
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