Petersen ready to lead Kaizer Chiefs in Soweto derby

Brandon Petersen says outside criticism will not define him as he prepares to captain Kaizer Chiefs against Orlando Pirates in the Soweto derby at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The goalkeeper returns to the high-profile fixture with renewed confidence after helping Chiefs beat TS Galaxy 3-0 in the last 16 of the Carling Knockout Cup on his comeback from injury. Petersen kept a clean sheet in that match, providing a timely boost after a difficult period.

Before his injury, the 31-year-old had faced criticism from supporters following several costly errors. That reaction came despite Petersen having been one of Chiefs’ most consistent players last season.

He recorded 15 clean sheets as Amakhosi finished third in the league, their highest position since the 2019/20 campaign. His performances also brought him close to a place in the Bafana Bafana squad, although he narrowly missed out after being included in the preliminary list.

Petersen’s disappointment at that omission, combined with the departure of goalkeeper coach Ilyes Mzoughi, was said to have contributed to his slow start to the current season.

However, the goalkeeper believes his experience of football and of life at Chiefs has helped him deal with the scrutiny that comes with his position.

“I think the most important thing, personally, is that the negativity that’s going around doesn’t define me as a person, and as a footballer, I am much more than that,” Petersen said.

“I need to know my worth. It’s important to know who you are and what you stand for. When you get that right, nothing else that’s happening around you buckles you down or becomes an obstacle on the road.

“I know what I am about and what I am able to produce. It’s about believing in myself and knowing that the people around me do as well. The main thing is always about improving and getting better to give the best of yourself.”

The derby is widely viewed as a make-or-break match, with Petersen expected to show why he remains Chiefs’ captain and first-choice goalkeeper. He insists, though, that proving himself is not his priority.

“I think for me there’s nothing to prove,” Petersen said. “The most important thing for me is the team. It’s not about me, what people think of me, or say about me. It’s about the team, and me making sure that heading into this weekend everyone is ready to fight, and fight our socks off.

“I know that the soldiers we have are ready to go to war. It’s about them, and believing in each and every one of them. I know in return they do the same. It’s all about unity and togetherness.”

A strong performance and victory against their arch-rivals would help rebuild confidence at Chiefs and give head coach Fernando da Cruz valuable breathing space after sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jr recently backed him publicly.