Leaner reacts to Bafana call-up amid Chaine debate

Sekhukhune United shot-stopper Renaldo Leaner says he was “always ready” for his Bafana Bafana return, despite the external noise surrounding the omission of Orlando Pirates star Sipho Chaine.

The 28-year-old’s inclusion in Hugo Broos’ squad for the upcoming friendlies against Panama raised eyebrows across the fraternity. Chaine, a key figure in the Buccaneers’ setup, has been in sensational form with 24 clean sheets this season and was part of the AFCON 2025 squad in Morocco.

However, Broos has opted to take a closer look at Leaner for the clashes in Durban (March 27) and Cape Town (March 31).

“I Wasn’t Surprised” – Renaldo Leaner

Speaking to journalists on Monday, the Babina Noko keeper dismissed the idea that his selection was a shock. For Leaner, the key to surviving the cut from the preliminary to the final squad is constant preparation.

“I don’t feel like I was surprised,” Leaner stated. “In the prelim squad, it’s always five goalkeepers… You always have to be ready because anything can happen. If you feel like I won’t make the final squad, when you do get a chance, you won’t be ready. So I was always ready.”

Leaner’s path back to the national team hasn’t been linear. After a bright start to the domestic campaign with Sekhukhune, he found himself sidelined briefly.

“I played the first three or four games [for Sekhukhune] and got dropped for XYZ reasons, but it never stopped me from working hard because I believed in myself,” he explained.

That self-belief has paid dividends. Leaner has reclaimed his starting berth at the Limpopo-based club, boasting an impressive record of just five goals conceded in 12 league matches.

Bafana Coach Broos: “A Good Occasion to See Him”

The Bafana head coach confirmed that Leaner has been on his radar for some time, having previously been part of the setup a few months ago. Broos noted that the Panama fixtures present a “good occasion” to re-evaluate the former Durban City FC man’s international pedigree.

With nine clean sheets in 18 appearances for Sekhukhune this term, Leaner is now looking to cement his place as a regular fixture in the squad as the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensifies.