Former Kaizer Chiefs captain Thabiso Malatsi has called for goalkeeper Brandon Petersen to be dropped following a series of high-profile errors. The 31-year-old's latest mistake, fumbling a routine shot from Giovanni Philander in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Polokwane City, has intensified scrutiny.
Malatsi, who spoke to media this week, believes the trend started with a misjudged cross against Mamelodi Sundowns in August. That error allowed Cassius Mailula to equalise in a 1-1 draw. Petersen was also at fault for a goal in the MTN8 quarter-final defeat to Golden Arrows and in the 2-2 draw with Richards Bay.
"They have to put him on the bench and bring this boy from Sekhukhune [Renaldo Leaner]," Malatsi said. "Petersen has to rest. They have to rest him; he has a lot of things in his head. I don't know what's happening."
He added that head coach Fernando Da Cruz must protect the player from mounting fan anger. "He has been making mistakes since the Sundowns game, Richards Bay, and Polokwane City," Malatsi stated. "They have to protect him, because you can see now that the supporters are angry."
The calls come as Amakhosi prepare for a return fixture against Golden Arrows this Sunday. The last meeting ended in a 1-0 defeat for Chiefs, a result that contributed to their early MTN8 exit. Despite the goalkeeping issues, the team sits fourth in the Premier Soccer League with 12 points from six games.
Chiefs are unbeaten in their last five league matches, a run that includes draws with Sundowns, Richards Bay and Polokwane City. The next challenge is a trip to face seventh-placed Golden Arrows on 20 September, a match that will test the squad's resilience. According to our stats data, Petersen has conceded an average of one goal every 90 minutes this season. The team's upcoming schedule, including this key away fixture, can be viewed on our fixtures page.
First reported at goal.com
