Kaizer Chiefs head coach Molefi Ntseki's decision to stick with Brandon Petersen as the team's number one is paying dividends as the goalkeeper has been influential in the team's resurgence.
In the earlier stages of the season, Petersen has had some sections of Amakhosi supporters putting him under pressure with their criticism as things were not looking so great for the team with regards to getting the results.
As Chiefs their DStv Premiership match 2-1 against Mamelodi Sundowns, Petersen had some of the supporters putting blame on him for the goals.
However, the 28-year-old has been going on about doing his business quietly and making several crucial saves that have led Chiefs' resurgence as the club got convincing back-to-back victories against AmaZulu and Stellenbosch FC in the league, as well as their 1-1 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg semi-final of the MTN8.
In five league matches, the Cape Town-born mentor has kept three clean-sheets and conceded three and has played seven matches in all competitions and has collected some Man of the Match awards along the way.
Chiefs' goalkeeping legend Joseph 'Banks' Setlhodi believes that Petersen will continue proving his doubters wrong and has suggested that the keeper deserves a long-term contract at the Soweto giants.
The Good
"The boy needs to understand that he is the main man in the line-up and he is in charge while on the pitch. He is the general or master of that position. He is the one who is making decisions and not the supporters and not the other players but him from having the benefit of a great view of what's happening in front of him as the last line of defence. When you play in that position, you need to be very tough and harsh. He is doing well and for me most of the things he does on the field are okay. He is still learning and there is a long way to go for him in the game and at the club. He's got experience but sometimes his decision-making is not so great. At times, he looks like he is scared of making mistakes but he is learning," said Setlhodi.
The Bad
"I cannot tell how he must be feeling when in that situation (with the supporters booing) because I never experienced it during my time. But playing in that position requires that you don't think about the supporters and not think about your teammates when you have to make decisions on the pitch. Whatever you think of doing something in that moment, just do it because you are the last line of defence. You are the most influential person in that moment to make a big decision for the team," said the legend.
The Ugly
"That young boy must not listen to the supporters. Let me tell you something, I have never in my career listened to the spectators. Even if I made a good save or did what, I always did what I knew what I could do without listening to anyone who was out of the field. I always told myself that the supporters were there to see me performing and other than that they didn't know how I prepared for the game and how I was all about. I would not have allowed them to tell me what to do and when to go out of my area and when not to. If he allows himself to be caught into listening to negativity from the spectators, he won't make it," he said.
"Petersen is the best in SA"
"In terms of goalkeeping in South Africa at the moment, that boy is the best. Unfortunately, I'm not too sure of how things work at Chiefs now, but he needs somebody who is very strong who can sit with him and show him how to go about managing his responsibilities. I hope Chiefs will give the young man a long-term contract," concluded Setlhodi.
How long should Chiefs tie Petersen in new contract?
