Kwinika defends embattled Chiefs teammate Petersen

Brandon Petersen’s name is stirring up quite a buzz among Kaizer Chiefs supporters lately. 

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The Chiefs goalkeeper has had his fair share of unfortunate blunders this season. 

And the most recent one stung hard in their MTN8 semi-finals loss to Mamelodi Sundowns. 

However, amidst the criticism and doubts, his teammates are standing firmly by his side, according to Zitha Kwinika.

Kwinika, who, thanks to Molefi Ntseki’s guidance, has made a switch to right back, holds a steadfast belief in Petersen’s abilities. 

“He is a big boy and he has thick skin. I trust in him on any given day,” said Kwinika on Tuesday. 

“That is the funny part about the game we are in (that the goalkeeper shoulders the blame alone).

“If you check how many saves he made in the past games, then it means we can only focus on that (the mistakes).”

For Kwinika, Petersen is more than just his occasional blunders. He’s the one who keeps the team in the game with some outstanding saves. 

Kwinika acknowledged the challenges, saying, “We understand. “But to show that he is capable, he has helped us a lot of times. 

“Even if you can go back to the games against Sundowns, I don’t know how many saves he made… 

“But football or life being life, there is always one mistake you make and obviously people will judge you on that.”

‘Petersen is ever ready’

Criticism often flows freely in football, and it’s easy to get swept up in the heat of the moment. 

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However, Kwinika’s unwavering support for his teammate sends a strong message – the power of belief and unity within a team. 

“But knowing him and the person that he is, he is ready… and if you can put him on again he is ready to go,” said Kwinika.

Chiefs host Sekhukhune United in a DStv Premiership match at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Wednesday evening.