Game recognises game: Khune gives Petersen his flowers

Kaizer Chiefs legend Itumeleng Khune has heaped praise on goalkeeper Brandon Peterson, endorsing him for a place in the national team and tipping him as a contender for the Goalkeeper of the Season award.

Peterson delivered a Man of the Match performance in the Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates, where the two giants played to a 1-1 draw at FNB Stadium on Sunday. The 31-year-old has been a standout performer for the Glamour Boys this season, ranking among the league leaders for clean sheets.

With Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos expected to name his squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, there have been growing calls for Peterson’s inclusion. Khune firmly believes the shot-stopper has earned his place.

Petersen earns high praise from Khune

Itumeleng Khune, Kaizer Chiefs — Image – Kaizer Chiefs

“Brandon Peterson has been the difference between Kaizer Chiefs being in the top three and Kaizer Chiefs being out of the top eight,” Khune stated in an interview with SuperSport TV.

“It is a well-deserved Man of the Match, and I’m happy that he wasn’t just doing it because it’s a derby and because coach Hugo is here; he’s been doing it throughout the season,” Khune added.

Following his Man of the Match performance in the Soweto Derby, Itumeleng Khune had high praise for Brandon Petersen.#SSDiski | #BetwayPrem pic.twitter.com/TvQtsxmeZl
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) April 28, 2026

“Unfortunately, he suffered from an appendix issue and missed the first derby, hence the team lost 3-0, but today he was the difference. He showed how big players perform with a big-match temperament.”

Should Chiefs keeper be Bafana’s No.1?

Brandon Petersen saves the ball against Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby. Photo: Kaizer Chiefs

Beyond a national team call-up, Khune also backed Peterson to claim the league’s top goalkeeping honour, citing his consistency and crucial role for the team.

“I’m proud of him, and I tell him he must keep up the good work. He mustn’t only look at going to Mexico with Bafana; he must look beyond that,” Khune continued. “He’s been in the PSL way too long for him not to be number one by now in the Bafana setup.”

Khune concluded by highlighting Peterson’s ambitions, saying, “With a performance like this, I think he can also be proud of himself and say, ‘I’m also eyeing the Goalkeeper of the Season come the end of the season.’ I think he has bigger goals than just going to Mexico.”