Da Cruz stands by Petersen as Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper faces scrutiny

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has backed captain Brandon Petersen despite a series of costly goalkeeping errors, saying the 31-year-old remains fully trusted ahead of Sunday’s Betway Premiership meeting with Siwelele.

Petersen was among Chiefs’ leading performers last season, recording 15 clean sheets as Amakhosi ended the campaign in the top three of the Betway Premiership. His form, however, has come under scrutiny at the beginning of the new season.

The goalkeeper’s latest mistake contributed to Chiefs being held to a draw by Richards Bay. He was also involved in an error during the MTN8, where Chiefs were eliminated by Golden Arrows in the quarter-finals.

Despite those incidents, Da Cruz has no plans to abandon his preferred approach or withdraw his support for Petersen. The coach said he would discuss the goalkeeper’s recent performances with him before Sunday’s match, but made clear that the club’s wider playing model would remain unchanged.

“Brandon also made mistakes last season,” said the coach.

“But also made a very good season last season, he got a lot of points for his team. He says he trusts him 100%.

“He’s our captain so we trust in him. He will discuss with him about this weekend, but our game model will not change.We’ll continue in our normal game.”

Da Cruz’s public backing comes as Chiefs attempt to extend their unbeaten start to the Betway Premiership campaign and keep pace with the teams above them in the table.

Amakhosi are currently third, having collected eight points from their opening four matches. They are two points behind second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns and five points adrift of leaders Orlando Pirates, who have played one match more.

The pressure to remain close to the leading pair adds importance to Sunday’s fixture, but Da Cruz has indicated that Petersen’s recent mistakes will not lead to a change in his selection policy or the team’s philosophy.

Chiefs will face Siwelele at Dobsonville Stadium, with Petersen expected to retain the captaincy as Da Cruz continues to place faith in the goalkeeper who played a significant role in last season’s campaign.

The coach’s comments also underline the value he places on Petersen’s leadership within the squad. Although the goalkeeper has been criticised for errors that have had a direct effect on recent results, Da Cruz considers him an important member of the team and is not prepared to let those incidents alter his approach.

For now, Chiefs’ focus is on responding on the pitch and maintaining their unbeaten record, with Petersen set to have the opportunity to answer his critics in Sunday’s league encounter.