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Fiacre Ntwari, Kaizer ChiefsBackpagepix
Khothatso Leballo

Cedric Kaze explains why Fiacre Ntwari was picked to start for Kaizer Chiefs instead of Brandon Petersen in Carling Knockout tie against Stellenbosch ahead of Bafana Bafana and Rwanda clash in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier

The Rwanda international was struggling for game time this season, even after some impressive showings between the sticks for the Wasps in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, especially against Nigeria. But on Sunday he got his chance at club level to prove to the coaches that he deserves to be the first-choice goalkeeper.

  • Bruce Bvuma, Brandon Petersen, Fiacre Ntwari and Ilyes Mzoughi, Kaizer ChiefsBackpage

    Surprise Ntwari selection

    Fiacre Ntwari was picked to start for Kaizer Chiefs in their Carling Knockout Round of 16 match against Stellenbosch at Cape Town Stadium on Sunday. 

    It was the Rwanda goalkeeper's first time to play competitive football for Amakhosi this season, as Bruce Bvuma deputised for  him while Brandon Petersen was not in the matchday squad. 

    Chiefs assistant coach Cedric Kaze explains the decision to have Ntwari start. 

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  • Cedric Kaze, Kaizer Chiefs, September 2025Backpage

    The reason why Ntwari was selected ahead of Petersen

    “No, it’s just that it’s something that was agreed since the beginning of the season that Fiacre will play the Carling Cup,” Kaze told SuperSport TV ahead of the game.
    “He has been training tremendously well. Has played very, very good games with his national team.
    “It’s a player the club really like and we see how he trains everyday and it’s just as well that we need to give an opportunity to him as well to show what he’s capable of.”

  • Fiacre Ntwari, Rwanda & Samuel Chukwueze, Nigeria, November 2024Rwanda FA

    Clean sheet, an opportunity for Ntwari

    Although Chiefs lost the match 5-4 on penalties, Ntwari kept a clean sheet in the match, which went to extra time.

    Towards the end of extra time, Ntwari refused to be substituted for Bvuma and went on to save Stellenbosch's first penalty.

    This was an opportunity for the former TS Galaxy shot-stopper to show that he deserves to be the Chiefs number one goalkeeper ahead of Petersen and Bvuma. 

    That the Rwanda goalkeeper was being benched by Amakhosi coaches despite being solid in goal for his national team could be testimony that the Soweto giants have capable custodians. 

    This comes as Chiefs goalkeepers were being criticised as the club struggled to have a man they would call their number one.

  • Fiacre Ntwari, Kaizer ChiefsBackpage

    Eyes on Ntwari against Bafana?

    Nwari now reports for national team duty as Rwanda prepare to face Benin and Bafana Bafana in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

    South Africa are desperate to qualify for the World Cup and Ntwari could stand in their way should he put up a strong performance between the posts.