Error-prone Bafana Bafana goalkeeper substituted for his own good says coach
Two mistakes by Leaner in dealing with the ball resulted in two goals for Stellenbosch during their 3-1 victory over Sekhukhune in a weather-impacted Betway Premiership game at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town
This prompted the away side's goalkeeper to be withdrawn with just 10 minutes remaining, some 12 minutes following his second blunder.
Such a display is far from what Leaner requires while aiming to convince Bafana Bafana manager Hugo Broos to select him for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Leaner remains a potential pick for backup or third option, having featured against Panama last month, yet these expensive slip-ups will draw attention to his current level.
His initial error involved a misguided short pass near the penalty area to Thabang Monare, which Genino Palace picked off to slot in a left-footed effort, extending the lead to 2-0 on the 39th minute.
The follow-up came in the 68th minute when Leaner fluffed a clearance, allowing it to drop to Chumani Butsaka, who exchanged passes with Devon Titus before converting to make the score 3-1.
By the 80th minute, Leaner had been hooked and swapped for Toaster Nsabata in a substitution that felt pointless since Sekhukhune trailed by two goals already. Leaner vented his frustration by heading directly to the locker room.
To be honest, it was more protecting him from maybe conceding even more because it could have been worse had we left him and then he conceded five, explained Masehe, who was managing his debut match after Eric Tinkler's dismissal earlier that week,
And knowing exactly that, you know, he could have done better. Sometimes you just have to take those kinds of decisions to protect the players, the fresh coach continued.
Leaner's embarrassment occurred under three weeks since his appearance for Bafana Bafana in the second World Cup preparation friendly versus Panama.
He earned a place in the team when Sipho Chiane was omitted and stays in the running for the World Cup roster, though his showing on Friday likely did not help his cause.