Kaizer Chiefs coach provides crucial update on captain Brandon Petersen

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has provided a long-awaited update on the recovery of club captain Brandon Petersen, as the Soweto giants look to solidify their push for a CAF interclub spot.

The 31-year-old shot-stopper has been a standout performer for Amakhosi this season, racking up 11 clean sheets in 16 league appearances. However, his campaign was interrupted just days before February’s Soweto Derby, when he was forced to undergo surgery.

In his absence, Chiefs have relied on Bruce Bvuma, while the club’s goalkeeping department has been further stretched by a long-term injury to Rwanda international Fiacre Ntwari.

CHIEFS CAPTAIN PETERSEN NEARING RETURN TO ACTION

Following Chiefs’ 3-1 victory over Orbit College FC at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium—a result that propelled the club to third in the Betway Premiership—Ben Youssef confirmed that the skipper is making significant strides.

“Petersen was with the physio,” Youssef explained. “We have to say thank you to the medical staff for preparing him. Last week he was with the coaches; he’s working, and I think soon he’ll be back with the team.”

The return of Petersen would be a massive boost for a side that has finally found its rhythm, securing three successive wins after a dismal run that saw them exit both the Nedbank Cup and the CAF Confederation Cup.

While Petersen nears a return, the injury bug continues to bite the Amakhosi squad. Ben Youssef revealed that Dillan Solomons is the latest casualty, having been ruled out of the upcoming clash against TS Galaxy this Sunday.

Youssef lamented the nature of the injuries plaguing the Naturena-based side, attributing them largely to misfortune during match play.

“90% of our injuries were due to contact in the game. We were unlucky. Every game, we will miss one or two players, but like I said, 80% of our injuries are about contact. It’s bad luck,” said the coach.

DEPTH TO THE RESCUE

Despite the loss of Solomons, Ben Youssef praised the club’s recruitment and squad depth, which has allowed the technical team to rotate effectively.

With Solomons sidelined, the coaches turned to Thabiso Monyane, while the experienced Reeve Frosler has also returned to the matchday squad following his own injury layoff.

“I have to say thank you to the board that we have a big squad,” Youssef added. “Every time one player is not here, another comes in to do the same job. Everyone is ready; they have to fight to continue to play or to keep their position.”

Kaizer Chiefs turn their attention to the FNB Stadium this Sunday as they look to maintain their winning streak against a stubborn TS Galaxy side.