COMMENT: Virgil Vries can be the best at Kaizer Chiefs

When Kaizer Chiefs lost Brilliant Khuzwayo at the end of last season, many thought that they would struggle in the goalkeeping department with Itumeleng Khune the only experienced keeper in their squad. 

This was made worse by the surprising arrival of Virgil Vries, who joined Amakhosi on a free transfer after parting ways with Baroka FC. 

Vries didn't have the best of seasons at Baroka, and towards the end of the campaign, he was relegated to the bench.

His performances are well documented after making some huge errors at his previous clubs, and Chiefs were criticised for overlooking the likes of Brandon Petersen and Jody February.

However, his performances thus far have proven that he's the kind of goalkeeper Amakhosi needed in their squad. 

Vries made his 'debut' during the Maize Cup final where Chiefs beat Free State Stars on penalties to lift the pre-season trophy. 

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But the real test came when he was handed his competitive debut when Khune was out injured against Ea Lla Koto in the MTN8 quarter-finals. 

At the time, Amakhosi had not kept a clean sheet in the league and looked to be out of their depth in defence. 

Unfortunately, he also got injured on the same day and missed about two weeks of action afterwards.  

The Namibia international was given an opportunity to play this past weekend, and he didn't dissappoint as he contributed immensely to their Telkom Knockout Cup victory over Black Leopards. 

He kept Chiefs in the game several times with some stunning saves, including in the penalty shoot-out where he stopped two penalties to deny Leopards.   

Vries has taken his game to another level since joining Chiefs, and he could soon be a real threat to Khune, who has been the club's No.1 since making his debut over a decade ago.

With Khune currently Bafana Bafana's first choice keeper and Vries playing regularly for Namibia, competition for the No.1 jersey at Chiefs is at an all time high, and it can only benefit the team. 

Previously, the Glamour Boys would struggle whenever Khune was unavailable for selection, but they don't need to have sleepless nights with Vries now doing well in between the sticks. 

Some may say it's too early to shower Vries with praise considering his previous records and the fact that he has only played two matches.

However, he needs to be commended for how he has performed at a big team like Chiefs without making any mistakes.

Vries can only get better with time, and that's when Khune will start feeling the heat, especially with coach Giovanni Solinas' way of doing things - the rotation policy which appears to be working for him thus far.