One of the big decisions new Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has to make before their opening Betway Premiership match this weekend is who will start in goal, and goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari has certainly made a strong case.
The goalkeeping department has been a problem over the last few seasons, with Amakhosi struggling to find a consistent number one. Itumeleng Khune held the position for quite some time, but no one has stepped up to show that they can be relied on to keep the jersey for a long time since then.
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Both Brandon Petersen and Bruce Bvuma have had opportunities in the past to hold onto the number one, with no success. They have both not been consistent in goal and this has opened the door for new goalkeeper Ntwari to make the position his own.
Ntwari was named man of the match earlier this week in Rwanda's 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Super Eagles of Nigeria. He pulled off some good saves to deny the three-time African champions, as they played out to a goalless draw. In the first qualifier Ntwari's Rwanda drew 1-1 against Libya last week.
The Amakhosi technical team would no doubt have kept up with the progress of Ntwari while he was away and this could give him an advantage over the other two goalkeepers in the team.
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Petersen and Bvuma have not played in any official matches going into the new season, but Ntwari has had valuable competitive action with the Rwandan national team, including last week's qualifier against Libya, and this could work in his favour as the Soweto giants prepare to take on Marumo Gallants in the opening match of the season at Free State Stadium on Saturday.
It's actually a similar case when compared to Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos' recent experience. Veli Mothwa did not have any competitive action going into the AFCON qualifier against Uganda, whereas Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine had featured for the Buccaneers in the MTN8 and CAF Champions League in August. Mothwa started and made a costly error against the Ugandans and was then replaced by Chaine in the following match against South Sudan.
It certainly won't be an easy decision for Nabi, but Ntwari has proven that he can get the job done if given the opportunity. The Siya crew has previously reported that Ntwari is Nabi's preferred first choice and his performances during the international break would no doubt have increased his chances of starting this weekend.
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