DStv PremiershipLatest Soccer News

Brandon Petersen opens up on rivalry with Chiefs ‘legend’ Itumeleng Khune

Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper, Brandon Petersen, has opened up about his rivalry with Itumeleng Khune as the battle for the number one spot continues at Amakhosi.

Petersen has been the number one choice at Chiefs over the veteran goalie, Khune, in the last three games for Amakhosi.

Before then, Khune featured in most of the Chiefs games in all competitions since he returned to the starting line-up in the MTN 8 quarterfinal in August.

However, with the Soweto giants losing three games on the trot at the beginning of the year and conceding six goals in those games, Arthur Zwane had to make a decisive choice to drop Khune for Petersen, who had only made five appearances by then.

However, since Petersen came back between the sticks against Royal AM, the 28-year-old has kept clean sheets in all three games.

And he is currently the first goalkeeper for Chiefs this season to keep three clean sheets consecutively.

Petersen also kept a clean sheet in his last game before coming back when Chiefs played Orlando Pirates earlier this season in October. Khune was injured around that time.

Brandon Petersen and Itumeleng Khune, with Bruce Bvuma and former Chiefs goalie, Daniel Akpeyi in the background
Branden Peterson and Itumeleng Khune doing a hand shake, alongside Bruce Bvuma and ex-Chiefs goalie, Daniel Akpeyi. Photo courtesy of Kaizer Chiefs

But despite the show-stopping performances that Petersen has been putting out lately, he is as grounded as ever.

The Cape Town-born goalie has shown nothing but respect for his fellow competitor in the team, Khune.

Petersen revealed that he sees Khune as a legend due to the legacy the 35-year-old has built throughout his long-term career.

PETERSEN ON KHUNE’S LEGACY

“I think that the main thing is consistency. He [Khune] has been in the game; you know he is a legend,” said Petersen.

“Being alongside a player like that every day is a blessing. And some moments as a footballer, you need to cherish.”

“Because not everyone gets the opportunity to rub shoulders with legends. And to not alone meet them but to constantly train with them, play with them.”

“So, it has been good. I have learned a lot from him, just the way he carries himself. The confidence he has.”

“And obviously, all his achievements, that’s the encouragement for us as goalkeepers. Because you want to achieve what he has achieved, it is good; it is exciting.”

“It is always fun; there is never a dull moment, especially for us as goalkeepers, it has been nice,” concluded Petersen.

RELATED STORY: Why Broos dropped Petersen for Bvuma

Back to top button