Kaizer Chiefs followers are set to witness a battle for the number one goalkeeper position as Brandon Petersen and newcomer Fiacre Ntwari challenge last season's preferred choice, Bruce Bvuma.
Siya sources have indicated that a shift in preference came when the new technical team, alongside the goalkeeper coach, were showing a preference for Petersen and Ntwari to compete for the top spot.
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Sources close to the club added that Petersen demonstrated his capabilities during the camp in Turkey, while Ntwari had only joined the squad after the Europe trip.
Nevertheless, Ntwari was recently signed and comes in with high recommendations, making it unlikely for him to be content with a third-choice position.
"You know every coach has their own choice and system that they use and in this case the technical team is confident in Brandon (Petersen) and (Fiacre) Ntwari. But you know, there are injuries and suspensions and that's why they need all four goalkeepers including the young Bontle (Molefe)," said the Siya source.
"But for the number one and two they have made it clear, it should be between Petersen and Ntwari. They just need to see Ntwari in action as they did with Bvuma and Petersen in Turkey. But they signed him because he was highly recommended and he is good. That's the goalkeeping situation right now," the source added.
Bvuma, who is 29-years-old, played 18 league games last season, conceding 19 goals and securing eight clean sheets after taking over from Petersen. The latter had started out as the number one choice but Bvuma gradually took his place with a string of clean sheets when given the chance.
Bvuma has been accustomed to being the 'backup' keeper at Chiefs, particularly when he was behind Itumeleng Khune over the years. It might now be frustrating for him that after overcoming Khune and then moving ahead as Amakhosi's number one last season, that he may now have to slot in third in line after all.
Ntwari, the new contender, was consistent for TS Galaxy last season, closely matching Bvuma's stats but it would be difficult to weigh performances between different clubs.
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Ntwari brings the added advantage of international experience, serving as the first-choice goalkeeper for the Rwanda national team, which could give him an edge in the competition.
The dynamic within Chiefs' goalkeeping ranks points to a season of intense competition, with each goalkeeper bringing unique strengths to the table. This situation not only highlights the depth of talent at Chiefs but also underscores the strategic decisions the new technical team must make to optimize the team's performance in future. Even if the technical team starts with a certain keeper as their number one at the start of the season, it doesn't mean they can't change their minds in the months to come.
Bvuma has experience in digging deep and proving himself through a campaign. Soccer Laduma reached out to Chiefs for a comment on the situation, but the club had not responded by the time this report was published.
