More pressure on Broos? Petersen gets Benni’s nod for Bafana call-up

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Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen has earned high praise from Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy, who endorsed the shot-stopper for a place in the national team.

Following a series of standout performances for Amakhosi, Petersen received a significant vote of confidence from one of the nation’s most celebrated football figures.

The endorsement came after the keeper’s impressive displays against Sekhukhune United and Mamelodi Sundowns during a pivotal week for his club.

Petersen gets Benni McCarthy’s endorsement

Benni McCarthy
Benni McCarthy watches in as Kenya play Gabon. Photo – FKF

After Chiefs secured a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Sundowns and a subsequent 2-0 win over Sekhukhune, McCarthy took to social media to commend Petersen. The Bafana Bafana icon not only praised his performance but also backed him for a call-up to Hugo Broos’ FIFA World Cup squad.

In a comment on Petersen’s Instagram post, McCarthy wrote, “Biza hope you well, my broertjie. Brilliant performance yesterday. Hopefully you get that National team call-up that you deserve, my broer. World Cup-bound.”

At 31, Petersen is enjoying one of his most consistent seasons, establishing himself among the league’s top goalkeepers alongside Orlando Pirates’ Sipho Chaine and Sundowns captain Ronwen Williams. His commanding presence between the posts has been a key factor for his team throughout the 2025/26 campaign.

Chiefs keeper has had a standout season

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

Petersen’s statistics reinforce his case for international selection. In his league appearances this season, he has recorded an impressive 14 clean sheets and conceded only 12 goals.

His consistent form has reportedly sparked talks of a contract extension at Naturena, as he has proven to be one of the club’s most dependable players in a high-pressure season.

With the World Cup approaching next month, McCarthy’s public support has intensified the debate surrounding Hugo Broos’ final squad selection. Based on his on-field heroics and the backing of South African football royalty, Petersen is making a compelling argument for his inclusion.

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.