Petersen Near Return, Confirms Ben Youssef
Kaizer Chiefs captain Brandon Petersen is nearing a return following a February injury layoff, having missed the last five matches, including the Soweto Derby, during a turbulent period for Amakhosi.
Petersen has been a key figure for Amakhosi this season, delivering outstanding performances in goal. He made an impressive start to the campaign, recording 11 clean sheets in just 16 league matches, establishing himself as one of the standout goalkeepers in the league.
The Amakhosi captain’s consistency and leadership at the back have played a crucial role in the team’s defensive solidity.
However, his momentum was disrupted after he suffered an injury in February, ruling him out at a critical stage of the season.
The setback forced the former Bidvest Wits goalkeeper to miss the highly anticipated Soweto Derby, as well as the last five matches. During that period, Chiefs endured mixed results, recording three wins and three defeats without their captain between the posts.
Speaking after Amakhosi’s victory over Orbit College at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Monday, Ben Youssef offered insight into Petersen’s recovery and praised the club’s medical team for their efforts.
“Petersen was with the physio, and I have to say thank you to the medical staff because they prepared him,” he said.
“He is working with the medical staff, and in the last weeks, he was with the coaches. He is working, and I think soon he will be back.”
The Tunisian mentor also turned his attention to the club’s ambitions for the remainder of the season, underscoring the team’s determination to compete at the highest level.
Following their victory on Monday, the Phefeni Glamour Boys moved into the top three with 39 points, strengthening their position as the season heads towards its decisive stages.
“We are fighting for everything in the league, we are fighting for the best position,” he added.
“If we can fight for the first position, then we will fight for it, and if it is the second position, we will fight for it.
“But I think the most important thing is to finish in the top three, that’s the minimum we can do this season.”
Chiefs will return to action when they face TS Galaxy at FNB Stadium on Sunday, aiming to build on their recent momentum and continue pushing towards their season objectives.
