“One Of My Best Seasons”: Petersen Ready To Reclaim The No. 1 Spot For The Soweto Derby

Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen says missing the previous Soweto Derby through injury was a major disappointment, but he is now ready to reclaim his place in South Africa’s biggest fixture.

Petersen missed February’s 184th Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium, where Chiefs were outplayed by an impressive Pirates side.

Bruce Bvuma, who was in goal on that occasion, could do little to stop strikes from Tshepang Moremi, Oswin Appollis, and Evidence Makgopa, who came off the bench to get on the scoresheet.

Petersen had reason to feel disappointed, especially considering that the last time he featured in this historic fixture, Chiefs defeated Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final in May last season at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

He was the Man of the Match in that Ke Yona Cup Final, making several point-blank saves to deny Pirates the double in 2025

Now fully fit, Petersen is expected to return between the posts on Sunday—an occasion that always divides the country when these two beloved South African clubs meet in what is typically a sold-out spectacle.

“I think it is very disappointing not to have been part of the first derby,” said Petersen.

“I was looking forward to it, but the injury ruled me out. That’s part of football—it’s part of the game.

“Coming back now, it’s been good. We’ve had some positive results, and I’m definitely looking forward to the next derby—being fit and healthy.

“So I’m excited and looking forward to the game.”

The 31-year-old boasts an impressive record against Pirates, having won six of his 10 matches, lost just once, and kept four clean sheets.

He will be hoping to maintain that record on Sunday, with Pirates sensing an opportunity as they remain locked in a tight title race with Mamelodi Sundowns for the Betway Premiership crown.

This season, Petersen has featured in 30 matches across all competitions, keeping 16 clean sheets. He is a frontrunner for the Betway Premiership Goalkeeper of the Season award

Reflecting on his campaign, he said that despite the injury setback, things have gone well overall.

“It is probably one of my best seasons, if not the best,” Petersen said.

“This season has been a special one. I had a strong start, and I’ve learned a lot—especially from last season, when things didn’t go as well, even though we won the Nedbank Cup. In the league, I felt personally disappointed.

“We conceded too many goals—some of them avoidable. It was important for me to reflect, sit down with the goalkeeper coach and my fellow goalkeepers, and make sure that this season, whoever is playing, we are ready—mentally and physically.

“Credit to the goalkeeping department—we had a strong pre-season and put in a lot of hard work.

“This season has been a blessing. It’s gone really well for me and for the team. Now, the focus is on finishing the season strongly, both collectively and individually, with six games to go.

“God willing, we finish strong.”