Petersen fights back tears as he narrates tough life at Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen has opened up about the difficulties of playing for the Soweto giants.

Petersen was crowned Man of the Match as Chiefs drew 1-1 with Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby at a sold-out FNB Stadium on Sunday after pulling off key saves that kept his team in the game.

The Chiefs captain made four saves in the first half as Pirates ran Amakhosi rugged before they improved in the second half where Pule Mmodi broke the deadlock only for Kamogelo Sebelebele to level matters.

After the game, Petersen fought back tears as he narrated how tough it has been donning the Chiefs jersey given the scrutiny that comes with not just playing for the club but doing it as a goalkeeper.

Petersen opens up about criticism at Chiefs

The emotions get the better of Brandon Petersen 🥹

He receives the Man of the Match award in the Derby ✌️💛#SSDiski | #ChooseASide | #BetwayPrem pic.twitter.com/0BlBJ5MnF3

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) April 26, 2026

“We have been working very hard throughout the season and you get a lot of stick as a goalkeeper,” Petersen told SuperSport TV.

“You don’t always get the credit you deserve. It is not about me, it is about the team and I am really grateful for everyone that has been supporting me, my wife and kids because people don’t see what we go through behind the scenes, the sacrifices and effort.

“We knew it was going to be a blockbuster game, said throughout the week, because both teams were in good form. It was a special one, I would have loved the three points but massive team effort by every player, technical staff and everyone behind the scenes.”

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Petersen then highlighted how he has struggled to cope with the high level of scrutiny, crediting his family, teammates and fans for keeping him focused.

“My time at Chiefs since I joined, it was never easy,” he added. “I was always under the spotlight, always criticism, all of that but for me, my family and supporters and that is why I am so emotional because it is for me and everyone behind the scenes knowing that they are backing me.”

“Being able to pull off a performance like today never comes overnight, we have been working exceptionally hard. People don’t see it and that is why when you go to bed and nobody sees I’m really honoured,” the 31-year-old further stated.