Bruce Bvuma was a bright star during a dark time for Kaizer Chiefs at some points last season, thanks to his heroics between the sticks.
But such is his performance this season that even former defender Derrick Spencer is urging him to improve next term.
Bvuma has conceded 17 goals in 16 Premiership games so far, making him one of the most breached goalkeepers in the league.
That poor outcome in goal is certainly not what head coach Nasreddine Nabi and goalkeeper coach Ilyes Mzoughi had in mind when they made him the No 1.
The duo must not only have thought that he would do better than Brandon Petersen and Fiacre Ntwari, but would follow in the footsteps of some of the club’s greats.
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Spectacular saves by Bruce Bvuma to deny Rise and Shine!
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Chiefs are known to have produced some of the greatest pairs of hands in the league, including Itumeleng Khune, who left the Amakhosi last season.
And with Bvuma having been Khune’s understudy for some time, expectations were high for the shot-stopper to grab his opportunity with both hands.
But while Bvuma has made some jaw-dropping saves this season, he hasn’t quite been consistent nor the difference in the team winning a match.
His performances seems to have also caught the eye of Spencer, who defended in front of some of the greatest goalkeepers at Chiefs.
“It’s difficult filling in the void that’s been left by Brian (Baloyi) and Khune – they were big players, quality and leaders on the field,” he said.
“I think for Bvuma, it’s not easy, but he needs to step up. We need him at the back. Leadership starts at the back with the keeper.
“He needs to command the defenders and speak to them. I don’t know him personally, nor have I spoken with him. Maybe next season, he’ll do much better.”
Kaizer Chiefs’ No 1 Bruce Bvuma says everyone is under pressure to keep clean sheets, while the team also knows the threat that Wednesday’s opponents Stellenbosch FC will pose.@IOL @IOLsport @TheStar_news pic.twitter.com/BKTg95Ni6S
Bvuma can only do his part to improve, and that’s why the rest of his teammates must do theirs as well in helping the team to keep clean sheets.
Sure, defending – just like scoring – is a collective effort, but it’s the defence’s primary role to defend and protect Bvuma.
The Chiefs backline seem to have forgotten to do the basics. As such, they are on a negative goal-difference in the league, having conceded more goals than scoring.
That’s worrisome, given the fact that the Phefeni Glamour Boys had poured money into the defence, signing at least six players this season.
These include Rushwin Dortley, Inacio Miguel, Njabulo Blom, Bradley Cross, Bongani Sam and Ntwari.
Spencer, who was a hard-nosed player during his time, has urged the current crop of defenders to do to curb their mistakes in the back division.
“I think we brought in some good quality defenders, and there are some good youngsters as well,” he alluded.
“I think we just have to work hard in finding combinations, because there are some silly mistakes there at the back.
“We are trying to do too much, and that’s not in our character for certain defenders. We just need to keep it simple, and try not to concede.
Spencer also urged the seniors such as Edmilson Dove to also set the example for the youngsters in defence.
“A good team does not concede. I was a defender, and I know strikers want to score, and we want to keep clean sheets,” Spencer said.
“We should try and keep it simple, and go back to the basics. The likes of Dove, who are senior players, must be the leaders at the back and lead the youngsters.”
Chiefs could use a clean sheet on Saturday afternoon (5.30pm) when they visit Chippa United in the Premiership in Gqeberha, as that will aid their top-eight aspirations.