Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen sidelined with finger injury
Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen has been sidelined due to a finger injury, casting a shadow over the start of the Betway Premiership season for the Amakhosi.
The exact nature of the injury remains unclear, but it occurred during pre-season training and has kept Petersen sidelined in recent matches.
Petersen was in goals when Kaizer Chiefs suffered a 4-0 defeat against Young Africans earlier this month. But the injury now threatens his availability for the beginning of the domestic league campaign.
With Petersen unavailable, new signing Fiacre Ntwari and Bruce Bvuma are the primary contenders for the goalkeeping role.
Ntwari appears to have the edge, given his playing style aligns with coach Nasreddine Nabi’s preferred tactics. The Rwandan international, acquired from TS Galaxy during this transfer window, is known for his ball distribution skills and involvement in build-up play.
This injury setback for Petersen adds to Chiefs’ challenges ahead of the new season.
BRANDON PETERSEN COULD MISS KAIZER CHIEFS’ OPENING FIXTURES
Chiefs’ first 10 matches present a challenging mix, with away games and an early clash against defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns serving as a key test.
The early fixture list includes a trip to Bloemfontein to meet with Marumo Gallants on September 14th. Their next fixture is at home to Stellenbosch FC on September 22nd. That will be followed by a trip to AmaZulu FC on September 25th. Nabi then guides his charges against defending league champions Mamelodi Sundowns at home on September 28th.
Meanwhile, academy graduate Aden McCarthy is back training with the DDC side. McCarthy had a trial stint in Moldova last month but returned to the country after the club decided to sign a more experienced player.
In order to return to the senior team, the 20-year-old player must make a strong impression on the new coaches.
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