Fernando da Cruz backs error-prone Brandon Petersen

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando da Cruz has thrown his weight behind error-prone captain Brandon Petersen, who has endured a tumultuous start to the 2026/27 campaign.

The 31-year-old shot-stopper has been under scrutiny from a section of the Amakhosi faithful, owing to persistent errors in between the sticks, contrary to his impressive displays in the previous season.

He was caught off his line in the opening game of the MTN8 against Golden Arrows, before failing to claim the ball in the one-all draw with Mamelodi Sundowns, allowing Cassius Mailula to restore parity, and was casual in Richard Bay's opening goal.

Despite the errors, da Cruz retains faith in Petersen as the club's skipper, noting how the goalie helped the Glamour Boys with crucial saves in the 2025/26 season, where he kept 15 clean sheets in 24 league outings.

“Brandon made mistakes also last season, but he also made a good season, he got a lot of points for the team. I trust in him 100%, he's our captain,” said the Chiefs boss through a translator.

When pressed on whether he will abandon building from the back to accommodate Petersen, the French tactician poured cold water on the narrative, stating the style of play won't change, as he held crunch talks with the goalie.

“I discussed with him this [past] weekend, but our game model will not change, we will continue in our game model,” da Cruz added.

Chiefs swing back to action with a Betway Premiership clash against Siwelele FC at Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday, where they will be looking to return to winning ways after back-to-back draws.

Hlayisani Magoro

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Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.