Itumeleng Khune backs Brandon Petersen for World Cup selection

Former Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs captain Itumeleng Khune didn’t mince words when asked about current Amakhozi skipper Brandon Petersen’s chances of representing South Africa on the biggest stage — the FIFA World Cup. 

Sharing a changeroom with Petersen a couple of years ago, Khune has seen firsthand how hard work and character can reshape a player’s journey.

Petersen’s 2025/26 campaign has been nothing short of remarkable.

The Chiefs shotstopper has featured in 20 matches across all competitions, playing 1,800 minutes, and keeping 13 clean sheets while conceding just 11 goals — a testament to his sharp reflexes and growing command of his area. 

“It’s a huge responsibility to lead a team, and I’m happy that Petersen has taken his game to a whole different level,” Khune began. “I’m proud to see him doing really well and hopefully he keeps it up.”

What makes Petersen’s rise so compelling isn’t just the volume of games he’s played or the number of clean sheets he’s kept. 

It’s the context of his form, a goalkeeper who was once on the periphery, sidelined after costly mistakes, has risen to become one of the Betway Premiership’s most consistent shot-stoppers. 

What was once criticism has turned into respect — on and off the pitch.

Khune didn’t hesitate when he weighed in on Petersen’s national team prospects, offering what many in the Chiefs support base have been thinking.

“He should be in contention to go to the World Cup — he’s done enough. He’s done really well thus far and he’s shown his qualities and also his leadership skills by playing well and keeping so many clean sheets,” said Khune. 

His endorsement aligns with local sentiment that Petersen’s influence extends beyond mere statistics. 

By marshaling a defence that has increasingly looked stable, Petersen has not only earned clean sheets but has contributed to a growing sense of belief at Naturena.

But Khune’s message was balanced. Form, he said, must be maintained. 

“It’s also important that he keeps doing what he’s been doing since the start of the season so that when coach Hugo Broos names his squad, he ensures that he deserves to be a part of it.”

Khune’s loyalty to the game — and to young talent — extended to Mduduzi Shabalala, whose recent miss-filled moments have drawn the ire of some supporters. 

At just 22, Shabalala has come under criticism for missed chances, yet Khune’s response was calm and measured.

“I hope they can keep supporting the players because no player goes into the field wanting to cost the team,” he expressed.

He reminded fans that Shabalala, much like Petersen once was, is on a developmental trajectory. 

“Mdu has done well for himself and the club and he has been a player that’s knocking on the door of Bafana Bafana so they must just be patient with him.”

Khune’s comparison to a past moment involving Kingston Nkatha, where he had to calm fans during moments of pressure, showed his belief in emotional intelligence as part of football culture. 

“What I like about him is that he’s not shying away from situations.”

This season has been a story of redemption and promise. 

In championing Petersen’s case for Bafana selection, Khune is not just defending a club colleague — he’s articulating a philosophy of resilience, leadership and consistent performance should be rewarded.

 And in plateaus of criticism and expectation, both Petersen and Shabalala embody the highs and lows of being a Chiefs star — and South African football’s next generation.