Daniel Akpeyi backs Kaizer Chiefs captain Brandon Petersen to rediscover form

Former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has backed Brandon Petersen to regain his best form, saying the club captain’s recent difficulties are not a reflection of his ability.

Petersen, who ended last season with 15 clean sheets, has kept only one shutout in seven matches across all competitions during the opening stages of the 2026/27 campaign.

That drop-off has come as Kaizer Chiefs’ defence has struggled for consistency, prompting criticism from some Amakhosi supporters. However, Akpeyi believes Petersen’s record should be viewed in the context of a wider defensive problem across the league.

Akpeyi spent time with Petersen in the Kaizer Chiefs dressing room at Naturena and says teams are still working to establish their best defensive combinations early in the season.

“The problem is not with Kaizer Chiefs; the problem is the stage of the season we are currently in. A whole lot of teams are conceding goals. Teams are still trying to gel. Even Mamelodi Sundowns as well, they’ve been conceding,” Akpeyi told KickOff.

“But I’m sure Chiefs are working on having a better defensive organisation. I believe there’s a lot of room for improvement in that team.”

The former Nigeria international also said the goalkeeper must focus on his mindset as he attempts to recover his previous level, while stressing that there was no question over Petersen’s technical quality.

Akpeyi rejected the idea that a small number of difficult performances should define the 31-year-old goalkeeper, arguing that Petersen’s experience is part of the normal challenges faced in the position.

“Petersen is a top goalkeeper. He is going through some of those things a goalkeeper experiences. I’m sure he knows fully well where he can do better. I’m pretty much sure it has nothing to do with his ability; he must work on his mentality. One or two bad games do not make you a bad goalkeeper overnight. You cannot fault Petersen’s quality,” Akpeyi added.

Kaizer Chiefs will next attempt to strengthen their defensive record when they meet Polokwane City in the Betway Premiership on Saturday.

The match will be played at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00.

A clean sheet would provide a timely boost for Petersen and Kaizer Chiefs after their difficult start to the campaign, as the club continues to work on improving its defensive organisation.