William Shongwe Warns Fiacre Ntwari’s Penalty Shootout Reaction Could Create Problems at Kaizer Chiefs

Former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper William “Cool Cat” Shongwe has expressed concern over Fiacre Ntwari’s reaction during extra time in Sunday’s Carling Knockout penalty shootout against Stellenbosch FC. In an exclusive interview with Soccer Laduma, Shongwe warned that the Rwandan keeper’s unhappiness at nearly being substituted could create disciplinary issues for the club.

During the match at DHL Stadium, Chiefs considered replacing Ntwari for the penalty shootout but ultimately left him on the field. Shongwe questioned the keeper’s decision to resist the proposed substitution. “When the coaches have decided, you have no right to refuse. Let the coaches take the responsibility for their decisions. He can get himself into serious trouble if this is not clarified,” Shongwe said.

The former Chiefs number one emphasized that Ntwari’s actions could set a dangerous precedent. “If the club allows a player to say ‘no’ to a decision, other players might do the same. It creates a bad precedent for the team and management,” he added.

Shongwe also highlighted the importance of proper penalty shootout preparation. He explained that teams should base the penalty line-up on players’ performance in practice before the match. “You practice to see who feels good during the sessions, then make a decision on who will take a penalty. That’s how it’s done,” he said.

While he acknowledged that late goalkeeper substitutions for shootouts occur in European and international football, Shongwe warned that they come with risks. Players brought in at the last moment often struggle because their bodies are not conditioned for the high-pressure scenario. “The mind may be ready, but the body is not. Most players brought in late miss penalties,” he explained.

Despite saving one penalty, Ntwari could not prevent Chiefs from being eliminated after the team missed more of their attempts in the shootout. Shongwe concluded that clear communication between players and coaching staff is critical to avoid tension and maintain discipline in high-stakes situations.

The incident raises questions about Chiefs’ internal management and highlights the importance of maintaining player-coach trust, particularly during decisive moments such as penalty shootouts.