Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando da Cruz has confirmed he retains “100 percent trust” in captain Brandon Petersen following a turbulent start to the 2026/27 campaign.
In the five games that he has played so far this term, the Amakhosi captain has made some costly blunders. The first instance saw a badly positioned Petersen allowing Golden Arrows right-back Khulekani Shezi to score the goal that eliminated Chiefs from the MTN8 at the quarter-final stage.
Petersen was back for another mistake last week when he failed to clear a Thabo Moloisane back pass to leave Richards Bay striker Nqaba Xulu to score in a Betway Premiership match which ended 2-2, with Chiefs dropping two crucial points.
That has attracted attention towards Petersen, who, three months ago, was in consideration for the Bafana Bafana 2026 FIFA World Cup squad. The former Bidvest Wits shot-stopper made the preliminary selection for the global competition as former South Africa coach Hugo Broos applauded him for improving.
This was after the goalkeeper kept 18 clean sheets across all competitions last season as Chiefs went on to claim third spot in the Betway Premiership.
FERNANDO DA CRUZ LEAPS TO THE DEFENCE OF BRANDON PETERSEN
The Chiefs goalkeeper has managed just one clean sheet in five games, while conceding five times. But Da Cruz has refused to criticise his captain, declaring that he has 100 trust in Petersen.
“Brandon also made mistakes last season, but he also had a good season. He got a lot of points for his team,” Da Cruz told journalists at a media open day at Kaizer Chiefs Village in Naturena on Wednesday.
“I trust him 100 percent. He is our captain, so I trust him. I discussed with him this weekend, but our game model will not change, we will continue with our game model.”
DO PETERSEN’S ERRORS THROW CHIEFS INTO A GOALKEEPING CRISIS?
Petersen’s blunders come as new signing Renaldo Leaner is waiting in the wings and is yet to make his official Amakhosi debut after being signed from Sekhukhune United in July. Da Cruz’s other options between the sticks are Bruce Bvuma and Takalani Mazhamba.
The Soweto giants had the luxury of sending out on loan goalkeepers Fiacre Ntwari and Bontle Molefe.
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