Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper has opened up on his Bafana Bafana 2026 FIFA World Cup ambitions following Sunday’s statement outing in the Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium.
A solid display between the sticks saw the 31-year-old earn himself a Man of the Match recognition as Amakhosi drew 1-1 with the Buccaneers in a Betway Premiership showdown. It was only his fourth appearance for Chiefs since returning from a five-game spell on the sidelines following surgery.
The stint out was marked by uncertainty about the rest of his season and whether he would come back and reclaim some of his top form. While Petersen was injured, Bafana coach Hugo Broos revealed that he had planned to select the Amakhosi goalkeeper for March’s international friendly matches against Panama.
Now back in action, Petersen has kept two clean sheets while conceding twice. But Sunday’s exploits might have been enough to charm Broos, who was part of the crowd at FNB Stadium.
The shot-stopper kept Chiefs in the game, especially in the first half when he brilliantly denied Yanela Mbuthuma and Kamogelo Sebelebele.
PETERSEN RAISING HIS HAND FOR BAFANA SELECTION WITH STRONG SOWETO DERBY SHOWING
Broos and his Bafana goalkeepers’ coach, Grant Johnson, could be having headaches picking Ronwen Williams’ deputies among Petersen, Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, and Sekhukhune United’s Renaldo Leaner as they finalise their World Cup squad.
“The only way for me to get there [in the national team] is to perform here. So, for me, the most important thing is to put in this performance week in, week out,” Petersen told SuperSport TV.
“At the end of the day, God is in control, and that is always at the back of my head, and that’s one of the goals, and I’m pushing towards that.”
The Chiefs captain feels he is not appreciated enough and pays tribute to the support system that he says has been the wind beneath his wings.
EMOTIONAL PETERSEN TAKES AIM AT CRITICS
“[I’m] a bit emotional, we have been working very hard throughout the season, and you get a lot of stick as a goalkeeper. You don’t always get the credit you deserve,” added Petersen. “For me, it’s not just about me, it’s about the team and all of that. I’m just grateful for everyone who has been supporting me.
“This is for my wife and kids because people don’t see what they go through behind the scenes as well. All the sacrifice, the effort. So, coming back to the game, I think we knew it was going to be a blockbuster game.
“My time at Chiefs since I joined [the club], it was never easy, I was always under the spotlight. You know, there was always criticism, all of that. But I think for me, a major role, it’s my family and the support system I have. That’s why I’m so emotional, because this is not just for me,” the former Cape Town Spurs and Bidvest goalkeeper went on
“It’s for all of them, each and every one that’s been behind me, messaging me, the staff, the supporters, everyone. Knowing that they’re backing me, being able to pull off a performance like I did today [Sunday]. It doesn’t come overnight. We’ve been working exceptionally hard, but people don’t see it.
“There were days when you went to bed, and the whole body was sore. You don’t know if you’re going to be ready for the next game. But we pushed through. God really carried me throughout the season and the team. So that’s why it’s a bit emotional for me. So I’m really honoured and blessed.”
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