Former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper insists Kaizer Chiefs made a mistake releasing Itumeleng Khune as Fiacre Ntwari’s struggles continue - ‘They need someone like Itu’

Former Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper John Tlale believes Kaizer Chiefs made a wrong decision to let go of Itumeleng Khune. 

The current unattached shot-stopper saw his playing time at Amakhosi end at the end of the 2023/24 season - with the club deciding to replace him with Fiacre Ntwari. 

Nonetheless, Tlale has been unconvinced by the Rwanda international - insisting he is not a suitable replacement for Chiefs legend, Khune. 

Ntwari has emerged as Nasreddine Nabi's first choice but has been inconsistent since the start of the season. He has conceded 11 goals in seven games so far for Chiefs.

The 25-year-old goalie is competing for the position with experienced Brandon Petersen and the club's academy graduate Bruce Bvuma, who was once tipped to be Khune’s direct replacement. 

"Kaizer Chiefs is a big team with too much pressure, and as the last line of defense, once you start conceding too many goals, you will lose confidence and start making a lot of mistakes," Tlale told KickOff.com. 

"You will then end up not (being) competitive and good enough to play for Kaizer Chiefs, you know. That's what puts a goalkeeper under pressure. Ntwari's confidence on Saturday was very, very low. He constantly made mistakes and gave the ball to the opponents very easily, you know.

"Well, Ntwari is a good goalkeeper, but Chiefs is a big brand. They need someone like Itumeleng Khune. Also, Khune made counterattacks easily," he added. 

"I believe Chiefs should have allowed these other three goalkeepers to learn from Khune things like how to command the 18-yard area for at least one more season. They should have allowed them to be his understudy, and that could have brought them more confidence."

Ntwari’s inconsistency could prompt Nabi to rest him and play Bvuma, who helped Chiefs lift the Cufa Cup last month after beating Marumo Gallants.

Moreover, Petersen, who played more last season, could also be considered, should the Tunisian coach decide to drop Ntwari. 

On the other hand, Khune will make what he described as a major announcement on Wednesday, November 6.