Ben Youssef Backs Petersen For Bafana Call-Up After Record Clean Sheets
Kaizer Chiefs interim coach Khalil Ben Youssef says the goal for his goalkeeper, Brandon Petersen, is to earn a place in the Bafana Bafana squad after recording more clean sheets than any other goalkeeper this season.
Petersen secured his ninth clean sheet in the Betway Premiership following Chiefs’ 1-0 victory over Durban City at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday.
In total, the 31-year-old has kept 10 clean sheets in 13 matches across all competitions this season — an impressive run that has seen him cement his place as Amakhosi’s first-choice shot-stopper ahead of Bruce Bvuma and Rwandan international Fiacre Ntwari.
Petersen has also been entrusted with the captain’s armband this campaign.
“I think after every game we say congratulations to Petersen and to the goalkeeper coach for the great work they’re doing. Petersen’s target is to return to Bafana Bafana and be part of the national team — that’s his dream, and we’re supporting him,” said Ben Youssef.
The former Ajax Cape Town and Bidvest Wits goalkeeper is yet to make a senior appearance for South Africa.
“I think he needs to keep working hard and put pressure on the national team coach. Why not be part of the squad for AFCON?” Ben Youssef added.
With the Africa Cup of Nations less than two months away and the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on the horizon, the Cape Town-born goalkeeper will be hoping his fine club form earns him the long-awaited national call-up.
