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Sekhukhune United goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner says he is relishing his role as the club’s current first choice amid fierce competition from Toaster Nsabata and Manuel Sapunga.
Leaner has started the last five Betway Premiership matches and is determined to retain the number one jersey in the Nedbank Cup as well.
Speaking to SABC Sport after the draw pitted Sekhukhune against AmaTuks in the last 16, the lanky shot stopper admitted the healthy rivalry within the squad was keeping him on his toes.
"It's a team with three International goalkeepers from three different countries, all playing at national level, so it's very interesting competition where we keep each other on our toes. As you could see, Sekhukhune United is the only club that played all three goalkeepers this season, so it's very interesting.
"Whoever plays knows the next one is also capable of doing what he can do, so when you get a chance to play you have to give your all. You have to be the best that you can be because if you don't take your chances, someone else will – and there can only be one goalkeeper on the field," said Leaner
The 28-year-old also touched on areas where improvement is needed both personally and for Babina Noko overall.
"For me personally, is to stay calmer during games and to work on my distribution so that I can reach an elite level. I give a lot of compliments to Ronwen [Williams]; he is the best in South Africa in terms of distribution. He can pick up a pass 100 metres straight onto your chest, and that's what I am trying to get to.
"As a team, what we can improve on from the league and cup is scoring more goals. We need to get our strikers more connected within the team and also to create more chances for our strikers –we lack chances. I think I made more saves than we have attempts at goal.
"Leaner has previously caught the attention of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos and with the FIFA World Cup approaching, the goalie says he continues to work towards being in his radar once again.
On facing AmaTuks in the next round of the cup, Leaner insists on Sekhukhune being wary of coming up against yet another lower division side after narrowly beating Highbury in the previous tie.
