Kaizer Chiefs legend Itumeleng Khune has heaped praise on goalkeeper Brandon Petersen, saying his performances are showing his desire to be at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and compete for the Goalkeeper of the Season award.
Petersen, 31, has shaken off all the doubt and criticism directed at him over the past and firmly established himself as a consistent performer for Amakhosi and earned the captain’s armband in the process.
- ALSO READ: Five Chiefs Players A Booking Away From Missing Downs Showdown
- Khanye Shares Views On Chiefs’ Derby Tactics
As one of the shining lights for the club this season, with 16 clean sheets in 31 games across all competitions and only 20 goals conceded – he could be one of the names in the final 2026 FIFA World Cup squad for the national team.
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos stated before the friendlies against Panama, that he would have earned the call, had it not been for the injury he suffered and since his return, he’s picked up where he left off, with a Man of the Match display in the Soweto Derby this past weekend.
“Ya no, Brandon Petersen has been the difference, between Chiefs being in the top three and Chiefs being outside the top eight, it’s a well-deserved Man of the Match,” Khune told SuperSport Football.
“I am happy he wasn’t just doing it because it’s the Derby, or because coach Hugo Broos is here, he’s been doing it throughout the season. Unfortunately, he suffered an appendix [issue], missed the first derby, hence the team lost 3-0.
“He was the difference, he showed how big players perform with big match temperament, he showed that, I’m proud of him, he must keep up the good work.”
Petersen Destined For More
Khune, also a former captain of Chiefs and widely considered the most talented player in his position in the history of South African football believes the former Ajax Cape Town stopper is a genuine contender for the coveted Premier Soccer League award.
Sipho Chaine, Renaldo Leaner, Darren Johnson, Ronwen Williams have also been major performers this season – and while Chaine, on course for an incredible clean sheet record with 17 in 26 league games is the front-runner, Khune has touted Petersen to be in the mix.
“He musn’t look at just going to Mexico with Bafana, he must look beyond that,” Khune continued.
“He’s been in the PSL way too long, for him not to be number one by now in the Bafana set-up, he can be proud of himself after this performance, he can say he’s eyeing the Goalkeeper of the Season.
“I think he has bigger goals than just going to Mexico or winning Goalkeeper of the Season, he’s been outstanding.”
Did you know that the iDiski Times Digital Newspaper is completely free! Download it now by clicking the button below or fill in the form to have it sent to you every week.
