Petersen speaks on Chiefs’ quest to retain Nedbank Cup title

For Kaizer Chiefs captain and number one goalkeeper Brandon Petersen, the 2026 Nedbank Cup Last 32 draw felt like a case of déjà vu.

As the glitter settled at the tournament’s launch in Sandton on Thursday night, the defending champions were handed one of the toughest opening hurdles imaginable: a trip to the Western Cape to face a relentless Stellenbosch FC side.

While others might view a trip to the Winelands with trepidation, the Amakhosi shot-stopper greeted the news with a smile and a sense of destiny.

The Chiefs Goalie’s “Good Relationship” With Stellies

“I think Stellies and I have a good relationship,” Petersen joked during the draw. “This is my third time drawing Stellenbosch in a cup competition.”

It is a fixture woven into the fabric of his recent success. Last season, it was a quarter-final victory over Steve Barker’s men that provided the momentum Chiefs needed to finally end their decade-long trophy drought. That journey ended with gold at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, but as Petersen knows, the road to defending a title is often harder than winning the first one.

Scores to Settle

The “trilogy” between these two sides this season carries heavy psychological weight. While Chiefs are the reigning “Ke Yona” kings, Stellenbosch have already proven they can dismantle the champions.

In October, Stellies sent shockwaves through the Amakhosi faithful by dumping them out of the Carling Knockout Cup. With this upcoming Last 32 clash marking their third meeting of the campaign, the battle for supremacy is no longer just about a trophy—it’s about pride.

“It is always an exciting game; history has shown that this is an exciting fixture,” Petersen remarked, acknowledging the tactical chess match that always ensues when these two South African giants meet.

The Cape Town Factor

For the Cape Town-born Petersen, the fixture is a homecoming. Despite playing away from their Soweto fortress, the captain is counting on the massive “Yellow Nation” presence in the Western Cape to turn the Danie Craven Stadium (or any local venue) into a neutral ground.

“We know in Cape Town, supporters always come out to back us,” the captain added. “So we are looking forward to it. It’s going to be a good one and a tough one, but when the time comes, we will be ready to go to battle and defend our title.”

With the fixtures set to take place between 4 and 8 February, all eyes will be on whether Petersen’s “good relationship” with the Winelands results in another step toward glory, or a heartbreak at the hands of a familiar foe.

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