+18 | Commercial Content | T&C's Apply | Play Responsibly | Publishing Principles
Fiarce Ntwari, Itu Khune 16-9GOAL
Dingizwe Gwala

Itumeleng Khune's successor - Have Kaizer Chiefs found new pair of safe hands in Fiacre Ntwari as Nasreddine Nabi looks to end trophy drought?

The Rwanda international has big boots to fill as he is expected to walk in the footsteps of the legendary Itumeleng Khune at Amakhosi.

Fiacre Ntwari, the latest goalkeeper to join Kaizer Chiefs, faces a challenge unlike any other at the club. As a goalkeeper, the scrutiny is always more intense than it is for outfield players, and stepping into the boots of the Chiefs' number one is no small feat.

Ntwari arrives at a club already boasting two established goalkeepers - Bruce Bvuma and Brandon Petersen. For any player in his position, this is a daunting scenario, but even more so at a club of Chiefs' stature, where the spotlight never dims. The pressure to perform is immediate and relentless.

Adding to the weight of expectation is the legacy of Itumeleng Khune, one of South Africa's most iconic and consistent goalkeepers. Khune - who still wishes to be on the field - not only made a name for himself at Chiefs but was also the undisputed number one for Bafana Bafana during his peak.

After Khune's prime, however, neither Bvuma nor Petersen has been able to fill those enormous gloves. Now, Ntwari finds himself tasked with carrying that legacy forward. The baton has been passed, and it’s up to him to prove that he can become a reliable and commanding presence between the sticks for Amakhosi.

Join GOAL as we dive into Ntwari's early life at Naturena.

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱
  • Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon PetersenBackpagepix

    Brandon Petersen: A tale of missed opportunities

    Petersen was once seen as the heir apparent to Khune's throne. After earning the trust of several Chiefs coaches, including Molefi Ntseki, Arthur Zwane, and Cavin Johnson, Petersen kept both Khune and Bvuma on the sidelines. However, inconsistency has marred his potential.

    Despite showing flashes of brilliance, Petersen has been plagued by costly mistakes - none more glaring than in the Soweto Derby, where his errors were exposed under the harsh spotlight of a high-stakes match. In a position where reliability is paramount, such lapses in concentration are simply unacceptable for a goalkeeper hoping to build a career at a club like Chiefs.

    • Advertisement
  • Brandon Petersen, Bruce Bvuma & Fiacre Ntwari, Kaizer Chiefs, July 2024Backpagepix

    Bruce Bvuma: The unfulfilled promise

    Bvuma's journey at Chiefs has been one of potential unfulfilled. Arriving as a young prospect, Bvuma spent years learning under Khune’s wing, with expectations that he would eventually step into the number one role. Yet, even after Khune's injuries, Chiefs sought external reinforcements like Daniel Akpeyi and Virgil Vries.

    When Bvuma did get his chance, it was often overshadowed by competition from Petersen. Now, with Ntwari in the mix, Bvuma remains on the periphery of the starting lineup, once again playing second fiddle in the ongoing goalkeeping saga at Chiefs.

  • From Rwanda to the big stage

    Ntwari's rise to prominence has been a quiet one. A relative unknown in South African football, he first broke onto the scene with TS Galaxy, where his performances quickly turned heads. Prior to that, he spent time with AS Kigali in Rwanda, where his steady displays earned him a move to Galaxy, and is now said to be on the wrong team.

    His 22 appearances in the 2023 season were enough to convince Chiefs that he could be the one to fill the void left by Khune. Ntwari's international experience with Rwanda’s national team has been solid, but the pressure of performing for a club of Chiefs’ magnitude is an entirely different challenge. The question remains: does he have what it takes to thrive in the glaring spotlight?

    • ENJOYED THIS STORY?

    Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

  • A new backline and growing pains

    One of the most overlooked aspects of a goalkeeper’s performance is the quality of the defence in front of them. At Chiefs, Ntwari will inherit a new-look backline that is still finding its chemistry. With players like Bradley Cross, Rushwin Dortely, and Inacio Miguel solidifying the defence under coach Nareddine Nabi, Ntwari’s task of commanding the area is made all the more difficult.

    Goalkeepers are often blamed for defensive lapses, even when the mistakes are made by defenders. Ntwari’s ability to marshal his defence effectively will be tested, especially as the new backline continues to gel.

  • Fiacre Ntwari, Kaizer ChiefsBackpage

    Seizing the opportunity

    Ntwari must seize this chance at Naturena with both hands. As a goalkeeper, the margin for error is small—one slip-up can see you dropped, and it’s hard to earn back that spot. At just 25, Ntwari is already Rwanda's number one, and Chiefs offers the perfect platform for him to make a name.

    If he performs well, bigger opportunities abroad could follow. But to succeed, consistency is key. He must avoid the mistakes that have held back others, like Brandon Petersen, and ensure he keeps hold of that starting jersey. The pressure is immense, but Ntwari has the talent to rise to it and prove he’s ready for the next level.

  • Fiacre Ntwari, Kaizer Chiefs, July 2024Backpagepix

    Dive deeper

0