KAIZER Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen's leadership qualities have placed him on a path similar to some of the club’s great goalkeepers, such as Rowan Fernandez and Itumeleng Khune.
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Brandon Petersen might finally be proving his worth to Kaizer Chiefs, but he will know that to whom much is given, much is expected.
A high-stakes Soweto derby takes centre stage this week as Chiefs and Orlando Pirates face off at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon (3.30pm kick-off) for three invaluable points in the Betway Premiership title race – and the country’s bragging rights.
Chiefs will look to captain Brandon Petersen for leadership and composure as the 31-year-old has arguably been their best player since the start of the season.
Petersen has kept 11 clean sheets in 17 league games so far, but his influence extends beyond that. He guides his teammates through the demands of both the matches, and the occasions. And the derby should not be different.
As one of the senior players in the squad, Petersen understands that the derby is more than just a game. It brings the country to a standstill, with the country's who’s who gathering at FNB Stadium alongside supporters from all walks of life to witness the spectacle.
Having featured in derbies before, Petersen will arguably approach this one with heightened anticipation. He finds himself in a strong position in his career, staking a claim for a place in the Bafana Bafana squad through performances rather than public campaigns or favours.
His calm authority is no coincidence. As club captain, he has overcome a challenging start to life at Chiefs to lead from the front, both on and off the field.
He hasn’t done it alone. His teammates have rallied behind him, particularly after he became the club’s third captain this season following the stripping of Inacio Miguel and Zitha Kwinika of the armband.
Though he is often the last line of defence, Petersen rarely seeks individual praise, even when recognised for commanding a rock-solid backline or contributing to the team’s collective progress.
In fact, he embraces his role like an older brother, often the first to shield younger players when they face criticism for sloppy performances.
Chiefs have endured a dip in form in recent weeks, yet there is an unusual sense of calm ahead of the derby, where crucial title-race points and bragging rights are at stake.
Much of that calm stems from Petersen’s improved relationship with the fans. At matches, he is often seen engaging with supporters – whether handing out pieces of playing gear or urging restraint when emotions boil over in defeat.
Those leadership qualities have placed him on a path similar to some of the club’s great goalkeepers, such as Rowan Fernandez and Itumeleng Khune, who captained the side to success and endeared themselves to the faithful.
The synergy between the fans and the team has been evident. Despite a season marked by change and uncertainty, calm has largely prevailed, with no public threats hanging over co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef ahead of the clash with Pirates.
Perhaps it is Petersen and his resolute defence that have inspired belief. Their resilience has made it conceivable for Chiefs to secure a positive result against any opposition, thanks to their organisation and understanding at the back.
Chiefs have conceded the second-fewest league goals this season (eight), just one more than Pirates – a statistic that underlines their defensive cohesion, especially considering injuries and suspensions have unsettled the backline.
Without that defensive solidity, they might still be labouring in the bottom half of the standings, hampered by a blunt attack despite creating numerous chances.
Their defensive discipline must once again come to the fore on Saturday to avoid a second successive defeat – this time at the hands of their sworn rivals. But with Petersen between the posts and eager to impress Bafana coach Hugo Broos in a World Cup year, Chiefs can dare to dream.
*Mihlali Baleka is Independent Media's senior football reporter and a panelist on the group's soccer podcast, The D-Line, which is exclusive on our YouTube channel The Clutch