Kaizer Chiefs urged to replace Petersen with Bvuma after costly errors

Kaizer Chiefs have been urged to drop goalkeeper Brandon Petersen and replace him with Bruce Bvuma after a series of costly mistakes raised concerns over the club’s ability to challenge for the league title.

Alex Heredia, one of South Africa’s longest-serving goalkeeper coaches, believes Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz must act before Petersen’s errors cost the team more points.

Petersen came under scrutiny again this week after conceding a soft goal in Kaizer Chiefs’ 2-2 draw with Richards Bay at the Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu, KwaZulu-Natal.

The goalkeeper delayed his clearance, allowing Richards Bay striker Nqaba Xulu to take advantage and score.

It was the latest in a run of high-profile mistakes from Petersen. Earlier this month, he was caught off his line in Kaizer Chiefs’ 1-0 defeat by Golden Arrows at the FNB Stadium. That result eliminated Chiefs from the MTN8.

Heredia said the repeated uncertainty surrounding Petersen’s performances meant Da Cruz should turn to Bvuma, while Renaldo Leaner could also be considered as an alternative.

“I would drop Petersen and play Bvuma, and the reason is the inconsistency of Petersen over the years. Yes, he has fantastic games, but he also makes horrible mistakes,” Heredia told Soccer Laduma.

“He’s not consistent; this is the biggest problem. And now when you play him, you never know how he’s going to react. He can be the Man of the Match or he can make the team lose because of silly mistakes. In my opinion, if there is an alternative goalkeeper, they have Bvuma,” stated Heredia.

The goalkeeper coach added that Kaizer Chiefs could not afford to lose matches because of individual errors, particularly from the player responsible for protecting the goal.

“Unfortunately, a big team like Kaizer Chiefs cannot afford to lose games for silly mistakes. Individual mistakes, especially from a goalkeeper, cannot be tolerated. If they want to compete for the league, they must have a consistent goalkeeper, first of all,” he added.

Petersen’s recent performances contrast with his form during the 2025/26 campaign, when he was outstanding more often than not.

Kaizer Chiefs finished that season with the second-best defensive record in the league, conceding 19 goals in 30 matches. Only champions Orlando Pirates had a stronger defence, allowing 12 goals.

Petersen was also nominated for the PSL Goalkeeper of the Season award, although the honour went to Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine.

Da Cruz will have to decide whether to continue with Petersen or make a change when Kaizer Chiefs return to action on Sunday, 6 September. Amakhosi are due to host Siwelele at Dobsonville Stadium, with Bvuma and Leaner among the possible alternatives if Petersen is left out.