Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen ruled out for up to six weeks

Kaizer Chiefs will make their first change in goal this season when they face Golden Arrows in the Betway Premiership on Sunday, after captain Brandon Petersen suffered a knee injury in training.

The match will be played at Mbombela Stadium, where Golden Arrows have moved their home fixture.

Petersen has started every game since the season began in August, but will now miss the meeting with Arrows and face an estimated four to six weeks on the sidelines. His absence gives Renaldo Leaner the opportunity to make his debut for Amakhosi.

“Goalkeeper Brandon Petersen sustained a knee injury during training on Tuesday morning and will be sidelined for an estimated four to six weeks. The experienced shot-stopper, who has featured in every match since the season kicked off in August, injured the medial collateral ligament in his left knee and will now undergo rehabilitation,” Kaizer Chiefs said in a statement.

The injury comes in the same week that Petersen had faced criticism for his role in the goals conceded during the defeat by Polokwane City. He has conceded eight goals in seven matches this season and kept one clean sheet.

Chiefs will also be without attacker Wandile Duba, who has been ruled out for approximately two weeks with a hip and groin injury.

“Duba, who has already netted three goals this season, has a minor defect in the affected area, and the medical team will monitor his progress closely over the coming week before determining the next course of action,” the club added.

The two injuries leave manager Da Cruz with changes to make before Chiefs’ final fixture ahead of the upcoming FIFA International break.

The double setback comes as Kaizer Chiefs attempt to preserve their unbeaten start to the Betway Premiership campaign. They will travel to Mbombela Stadium on Sunday without the goalkeeper who has played every match so far, while Duba’s absence further reduces their available options in attack.

Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images