Ex-Pirates skipper fears ‘politics’ could lock Chiefs star out of World Cup squad

Former Orlando Pirates captain Benson Mhlongo has endorsed Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen for a place in the Bafana Bafana squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Mhlongo highlighted Petersen’s physical attributes, noting that his 1.85-metre frame is a significant advantage at the international level. He argued that height is crucial for goalkeepers on the global stage, providing better reach, improved goal coverage, and dominance in aerial situations.

The former Bafana Bafana international believes Petersen‘s intimidating presence and ability to command his penalty area make him an ideal candidate for the national team.

Mhlongo’s praise came after Petersen’s standout performance in the Soweto Derby, where he returned from a lengthy injury layoff. “For me, my man of the match in the Derby was Brandon Petersen,” Mhlongo told KickOff.

Mhlongo impressed by Petersen’s displays

“For Kaizer Chiefs to be brave enough to field him in such a match coming from injury… demonstrates he is their number one goalkeeper, and that they believe in him. For me, he is the one who got Kaizer Chiefs a draw in Sunday’s game.”

Mhlongo stressed that including Petersen in the national setup would be a major boost for the team. He commended the goalkeeper’s mental fortitude, pointing out the difficulty of returning to form after an injury, especially for a player in a high-contact position.

“The bravery Brandon Petersen showed on Sunday proves he has overcome his injury,” Mhlongo added. “His quality remains evident and cannot be ignored.”

Why ex-Pirates star fears for Chiefs skipper

Drawing parallels with international teams, Mhlongo noted that other nations have successfully managed injured players within their squads. “In past World Cups, teams like Brazil have carried injured players, and they often recover after their first two group stage matches,” he explained.

However, he expressed concern that internal politics and a focus on popularity over merit could hinder Petersen’s selection in South Africa.

“Here in our country, due to politics, we tend to debate about it. We prefer selecting players based on popularity rather than quality. That’s our downfall,” he stated. “Only politics can keep Brandon Petersen out of the World Cup. I hope Hugo Broos and his technical team will consider this logically.”