Fiacre Ntwari of Kaizer Chiefs.
Muzi Ntombela, Backpages
Fiacre Ntwari got a proper taste of how much pressure there is at Kaizer Chiefs after a shaky performance which saw some supporters calling for him to be substituted against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Carling Knockout on Saturday.
A group of supporters kept chanting ‘Khune, Khune, Khune’ after they spotted Itumeleng Khune in the VIP suite on Saturday, just seconds after Ntwari kicked the ball into no man’s land, giving it away to Sundowns who were in total control of the game.
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Ntwari was brought in to solve the goalkeeping problem that Amakhosi have had over the last few years, but it’s been a difficult start to life at Naturena for the Rwandan. The four goals he conceded against Sundowns on Saturday seemingly had an effect on his confidence, as he struggled with his distribution, often turning over possession to the opponents.
He has made seven appearances in all competitions this season and has conceded 11 times, a big concern early on in the campaign for Amakhosi, who were hoping to have less problems in the goalkeeping department in this term. Ntwari has kept just one clean sheet, in the Carling Knockout last 16 clash against SuperSport, which Amakhosi won 4-0.
The second choice goalkeeper at the moment is Bruce Bvuma, who is waiting patiently on the sidelines to make his first appearance of the campaign. Last season, Bvuma had to wait until November to make his first appearance of the campaign, taking over from Petersen at the time.
In his first seven matches last season, Bvuma kept six clean sheets, including one in the Nedbank Cup game against Motsepe Foundation Championship side Milford, which had to be decided on penalties.
Petersen, meanwhile, conceded five goals in the first seven matches he played last season, though he made some costly errors in matches against Sundowns and TS Galaxy. Petersen kept three clean sheets during this period.
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Unlike Bvuma and Petersen, Ntwari is still settling into life at Naturena and it remains to be seen if the technical team will be patient with him or if changes will be made in the goalkeeping department.
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