Da Cruz backs Petersen despite costly errors for Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs coach Da Cruz says he will continue to support captain Petersen despite a series of costly mistakes in recent matches, insisting the goalkeeper retains the club’s trust.

Speaking to the media at the Chiefs Village in Naturena on Wednesday, Da Cruz acknowledged that Petersen had made errors in games against Richards Bay FC, Mamelodi Sundowns FC and Lamontville Golden Arrows.

The coach said he had spoken to Petersen over the weekend and made clear that the goalkeeper’s position within the team had not changed.

“Peterson also made mistakes last season, but he also had a good campaign last season by securing a lot of points for his team. He is our captain and we trust him, I also spoke to him this past weekend about this.”

Petersen’s recent performances have come under scrutiny after mistakes in those three matches, but Da Cruz believes his overall contribution last season remains important. The Frenchman says the club will continue to rely on the experience of its captain rather than allowing individual errors to alter its plans.

Chiefs have also received a boost on the injury front, with most of the players who had been unavailable now back in training or involved in matches. The club’s left-back options have particularly improved, while left-footed centre-back Rushwin Dortley has returned after a long-term injury.

Dortley has played in several friendly matches as he works towards full fitness.

Flavio Silva, Langelihle Phili, Thabiso Monyane and Inacio Miguel remain on the injury list, although Da Cruz says Chiefs’ medical team is working to get the affected players back to 100%.

“There are two types of injuries we are dealing with. There are the injuries players picked up last season and so it takes time for us to recover these players to 100%, and some injuries have also happened this season but our medical staff are trying to do their best. Although we have players out, we have complete trust in the squad.”

Da Cruz also gave winger and South African junior international Faiz Abarahams his debut last week. The coach says he has been encouraged by the youngster’s development and the quality he has shown since being given an opportunity.

Chiefs will host struggling Siwelele FC at Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday. It will be a new venue for Da Cruz, but he does not see that as a concern because his squad will complete a match-day-minus-one training session there.

The session is intended to allow the players to familiarise themselves with the pitch before the fixture.

The wider football news referenced alongside the Chiefs update was Manchester City’s £65m signing of Iliman Ndiaye from Everton.