Petersen Responds to Critics Ahead of the Soweto Derby

Kaizer Chiefs skipper and goalkeeper Brandon Petersen has spoken about the criticism aimed at him this season, with the Soweto Derby on the horizon, according to iDiski Times.

Back between the posts after injury

Petersen returned to action in midweek after a spell on the sidelines with an injury. Chiefs beat TS Galaxy 3-0 in the Carling Knockout Cup in that match, which gave him a winning return to the side.

Before the layoff, the keeper had been under pressure. He made several errors early in the season, and iDiski Times noted that some of them proved costly for Amakhosi. That criticism is what he was asked to respond to as the club turns its attention to the derby.

“I know what I’m about”

Petersen made it clear that the negative talk around his earlier displays is not how he sees himself. He said those comments do not define him as a person or as a footballer, adding that he is “much more than that”.

He stressed the importance of knowing your own value. In his view, once a player is settled on that, outside noise may still be noticed, but it does not knock him off course or become a real obstacle.

“I know what I’m able to produce,” Petersen said. He added that self-belief matters, as does knowing that the people around him believe in him too.

Looking ahead, he said the priority should always be to keep improving and to put in a good showing. His message was one of staying focused on his own work rather than on what is said about him.

What it means for Chiefs supporters

For Chiefs fans, the cup win and Petersen’s return offer some reassurance heading into a big fixture. Whether he starts in the derby is not stated in the report, and neither are kick-off details, so supporters should check the club’s official channels and the PSL fixture list for confirmed information.

This story is based on reporting by iDiski Times.