Fiacre Ntwari Returns to Kaizer Chiefs After International Duty

Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari is set to return to Johannesburg after gaining valuable game time during the recent FIFA World Cup qualifiers with Rwanda. The shot-stopper featured in back-to-back matches against Nigeria and Lesotho, marking his first competitive minutes since being dropped from the Chiefs starting XI earlier this season.

Tough Outing on International Duty

Ntwari faced a stern test against Nigeria, where he conceded twice to Victor Osimhen in a 2-0 defeat. He was then in goal for Rwanda’s 1-1 draw with Lesotho on Tuesday, conceding a late equalizer. While he did not secure a clean sheet, the experience of playing on the international stage could be crucial for his confidence and development.

Struggles at Chiefs

Since joining Amakhosi, Ntwari has had a challenging time. He began the season as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, playing seven matches, conceding 11 goals, and keeping just one clean sheet before being replaced.

Brandon Petersen briefly took over before Bruce Bvuma cemented his place as the club’s No.1. Bvuma has since played 17 matches, managing seven clean sheets while conceding 15 goals.

Kitenge: ‘Thrown into the Deep End’

Former goalkeeper Aime Kitenge, who hails from Burundi—Rwanda’s neighboring country—believes Ntwari was thrown into a difficult situation at Chiefs too soon.

“The boy has been unfortunate at Chiefs in that he has been the victim of circumstances,” Kitenge said. “He joined the club during a difficult period when Chiefs were trying to recover from past struggles. Instead of easing him into the team, he was just thrown into the deep end.”

Kitenge argues that the pressure of playing for a club as big as Chiefs affected Ntwari’s confidence.

“The fans made him crack because he wasn’t used to that kind of scrutiny. As a goalkeeper, it’s important to be around people who believe in you. The international matches will help him settle and gain a better understanding of handling pressure,” he added.

A Chance to Rebuild Confidence

Now back at Chiefs, Ntwari will be hoping his international outings can serve as a stepping stone to getting more opportunities at club level. With Bvuma currently in fine form, the Rwandan will need to remain patient and ready to step in when called upon.