Brandon Petersen: Chiefs keeper gets more backing for World Cup call

Former Bafana Bafana defender Matthew Booth has endorsed Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen for a spot in the national squad ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

Petersen recently returned to action following appendix surgery and made a significant impact in Chiefs’ final league match. He secured his 14th clean sheet of the season in a 2-0 victory over Sekhukhune United, a result that guaranteed Kaizer Chiefs a return to continental competition.

The goals came from Mfundo Vilakazi and Glody Lilepo, but it was Petersen who ensured the clean sheet remained intact. In the dying moments of the match, he produced a spectacular acrobatic save to deny Sekhukhune’s Bradley Grobler from close range.

Booth on why Petersen cannot be ignored

Petersen kept his 15^th clean sheet of the season on Saturday when Chiefs beat AmaZulu FC 1-0 and his contributions have convinced Booth that he deserves a spot in Hugo Broos’ World Cup team.

“It was a great reflex save from Petersen, who is definitely staking his claim for a trip to the World Cup,” Booth commented as per KickOff. “I’ve enjoyed his journey over the last couple of seasons, the trials and tribulations. So pulling off a save of that nature was just fantastic.”

Can Chiefs goalkeeper dislodge his rivals?

However, the competition for a goalkeeping position in the Bafana Bafana squad is fierce. Mamelodi Sundowns’ Ronwen Williams, the current national team captain, is a certain selection. Orlando Pirates’ Sipho Chaine, who recently set a new PSL record for the most clean sheets in a single season, after reaching 20, is also a strong candidate.

The final decision for coach Broos may come down to a choice between Petersen and Ricardo Goss, who has also had an impressive season on loan at SuperSport United.

The Belgian coach is scheduled to announce his final squad for the FIFA World Cup on May 27.