Last season, Kaizer Chiefs faced a goalkeeping dilemma when number one choice Itumeleng Khune was sidelined, and Brandon Petersen was relegated to the bench, leading to Bruce Bvuma stepping up.
However, with the recent signing of former TS Galaxy goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, the dynamics within Chiefs' goalkeeping ranks appear set for another shift.
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Former Amakhosi goalkeeper William "Cool Cat" Shongwe shared his insights on the situation, suggesting that Ntwari should assume the number one spot, while Petersen and Bvuma should compete for the backup role. In an exclusive interview with Soccer Laduma, Shongwe discussed the challenges faced by the goalkeepers last season and his expectations for the upcoming campaign.
"I am not saying this because I favour goalkeepers. The coach will make his choice of the team to play this season. In most cases goalkeepers suffer because of the poor defence. If the defence is unstable then the goalkeeper won't perform well. But for this season I think Fiacre Ntwari will be the number one goalkeeper," Shongwe told the Siya crew.
"They have signed him because they believe he can do the job at Chiefs. He performed very well at TS Galaxy last season taking the team from fighting for relegation to finishing in the top eight. That was great so there is no question about the number one position. For Bvuma and Petersen, they will fight for the number two position.
"But if you look at the way coach (Nasreddine) Nabi used Petersen against Yanga it's clear he will be the second choice and Bvuma the third choice. I don't see any problem with that. That's football and the coach has the choice," Shongwe believes.
Shongwe also commented on Bvuma's performance, noting that while he was given opportunities, he did not fully capitalise on them.
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"Bruce (Bvuma) was given the chance. He did not fully grab that opportunity. Maybe it wasn't his sole responsibility because the defence also kept changing last season and it was not helping the goalkeeper. And I think that has pushed Bruce to number three. The defensive line cost him and he will be like that at the moment as Ntwari will be number one and Petersen number two.
"But, you know, there are injuries and suspensions which could still change things at any time. I don't see any problem with him playing third fiddle at the moment," Shongwe stated.
As Chiefs prepare for the new season, the goalkeeping hierarchy under coach Nabi will be crucial in determining the team's defensive stability and overall success. With Ntwari expected to lead (according to Shongwe), and Petersen and Bvuma adjusting to their roles, the dynamics at Chiefs could be set for an intriguing evolution.
