Kaizer Chiefs will be without goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner for their important match tonight. The club confirmed that Leaner picked up an injury during training preparations yesterday ahead of the decisive game.

Amakhosi host Zambia’s Red Arrows in the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. Kick-off is at 18:00. Chiefs lost the first leg 1-0 away in Ndola last weekend. They now need a strong result at home to keep their continental hopes alive. A win by two goals would send them through to the group stage. A 1-0 victory would force a penalty shootout, while any other result would end their campaign.

The absence of Leaner comes at a difficult time. The 28-year-old joined Chiefs in 2026 from Sekhukhune United and has stepped up well in recent weeks. He kept a clean sheet on his debut in the league and started in the first leg against Red Arrows. His injury means coach Fernando Da Cruz must turn to another option between the posts.

There is some good news for the squad. Club captain and first-choice goalkeeper Brandon Petersen has returned to training after recovering from a knee injury. Midfielder Lebohang Maboe is also back and available. Both players trained with the team on Thursday in Durban. Their return gives Da Cruz more choices on the bench as Chiefs try to overturn the deficit.

Chiefs have faced several injury problems this season. Other players remain sidelined, which has limited the coach’s options. With Leaner now out, the focus shifts to whether Petersen is ready to start after his time on the sidelines. The experienced goalkeeper has had mixed form in the past, so the decision will not be easy.

The match is vital for Amakhosi. Progressing in the CAF Confederation Cup would bring important prize money and keep the club in African competition. Fans have been urged to fill the stadium and support the team. With Leaner unavailable, the remaining players will need to be organised and clinical if Chiefs are to get the result they need.

The club will now finalise its plans for the game. Leaner’s recovery time has not been confirmed, but the priority is the match against Red Arrows. Amakhosi go into the fixture knowing they must deliver a strong performance at home to stay in the competition.

Source: https://x.com/iDiskiTimes/status/2113662064090616256