Petersen Says Club Form Is Key To World Cup Inclusion
Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen says the only way he can convince Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos to include him in the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad is by continuing to deliver strong performances for his club.
Petersen kept another clean sheet as Chiefs edged ZESCO United 1–0 at Moses Mabhida Stadium in a CAF Confederation Cup group-stage match on Sunday.
It was his fourth clean sheet in eight matches in Africa’s second-tier club competition and his 15th in 23 matches across all competitions this season.
Petersen’s appointment as Amakhosi captain has further cemented his status as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, making it increasingly difficult for the likes of Bruce Bvuma and Fiacre Ntwari to break into the starting line-up.
Despite his impressive form, Petersen was overlooked by Broos for the Africa Cup of Nations, even though he was included in the preliminary squad. The Bafana Bafana coach opted for Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine and Ricardo Goss for the tournament, which was held in Morocco.
Williams, as national team captain, played all four matches as Bafana Bafana were eliminated in the round of 16 by Cameroon.
With five months to go before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, Petersen says his focus remains firmly on performing consistently for Chiefs, knowing that is how he will be judged for national team selection.
“For me, as I’ve said before, my focus is on my performances at the club,” said Petersen.
“That’s how I’m going to get into the national team — by being consistent and giving my best for the club. I just keep trying to do all I can and hope everything works out.”
Petersen has not looked back since being handed a starting opportunity during Chiefs’ Nedbank Cup victory over Orlando Pirates at the same Durban venue in May last year.
The 31-year-old, who had previously fallen out of favour while Bvuma was preferred, has since claimed the number-one jersey following a series of errors by Bvuma that opened the door for Petersen to start the derby cup final.
“As a goalkeeper, you don’t get many chances,” Petersen added.
“When an opportunity comes, you have to take it. I’m grateful to the management, the goalkeeper coach and the coaching staff for trusting and believing in me.
“Thanks also to the support from the other goalkeepers and the rest of the squad. The confidence they give me allows me to express myself on the field.”
Amakhosi now turn their attention to defending their Ke Yona Cup title when they face Stellenbosch in the round of 32 at DHL Stadium on Wednesday (19:00).
