Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has thrown his support behind captain Brandon Petersen, insisting the goalkeeper retains his full trust despite coming under scrutiny for costly mistakes this season.
Petersen, 31, was one of Chiefs’ key performers last season, keeping 15 clean sheets as Amakhosi finished in the top three of the Betway Premiership.
However, the goalkeeper has endured a difficult start to the new campaign, with his latest error contributing to Chiefs’ draw against Richards Bay.
Petersen’s mistake was also costly in the MTN8,
Petersen’s mistake was also costly in the MTN8, where Chiefs were eliminated by Golden Arrows in the quarter-finals.
Despite the scrutiny surrounding his goalkeeper, Da Cruz has no intention of changing his approach or dropping his faith in Petersen.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s league clash against Siwelele, the Chiefs coach acknowledged that he would still speak to Petersen about his recent performances but stressed that his goalkeeper remains an important part of his plans.
“Brandon also made mistakes last season,” said the coach.
But also made a very good season last
“But also made a very good season last season, he got a lot of points for his team. He says he trusts him 100%.
“He’s our captain so we trust in him. He will discuss with him about this weekend, but our game model will not change.We’ll continue in our normal game.”
Da Cruz’s backing comes at a time when Chiefs are looking to maintain their unbeaten start to the Betway Premiership season.
Amakhosi are third on the table with eight
Amakhosi are third on the table with eight points from four matches, two points behind second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns and five behind leaders Orlando Pirates, who have played a game more.
With Chiefs aiming to keep pace with the leading duo, Da Cruz has made it clear that Petersen’s recent mistakes will not prompt a change in the team’s philosophy as they prepare to face Siwelele at Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday.
Source: dailynews.co.za
