Brandon Petersen on finally stepping out of Itumeleng Khune shadow

Chiefs have finally found a solid number-one following the departure of long-serving goalkeeper and club legend Itumeleng Khune two seasons ago, with Petersen currently enjoying his best return since arriving in 2021.

With 13 clean sheets in 20 Betway Premiership appearances this season, the 31-year-old has become the first Amakhosi shotstopper to amass double figures in shutouts since Daniel Akpeyi in 2019/20 and tells SABC Sport he has now carved his own path.

"I think, in the beginning it was a bit difficult you know because a lot of people saw it as you taking over, myself taking over and all of that so you face a lot of criticism and all of that and you know in the beginning it was a bit difficult and I won't lie, I struggled in the beginning but you know, until I realised for me I have my own race to run,” Petersen said. 

“You know I was put there for a reason and there was no need for me to fill someone else's shoes but for me to set my own standards and run my own race. I think until I came to that realization, things became easier for me. 

“Showing people what I'm capable of, who Brandon Peterson is as a player, as a human being and not trying to fill in for anyone else but establish myself and be who I am and who I am set out to be."

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Khune holds the Chiefs record for most clean sheets in the league, having managed 16 shutouts in 27 appearances in the 2017/18 Premiership season.

Earlier this year, Petersen had an option activated to extend his stay at Chiefs until June 2027 with expectations that he would be handed another new deal before then.

He is intent on showing his value on the pitch and will leave the outcome in the hands of the club.

"I'm contracted until next year and for me it's important to just focus on the present and control what I can control and that is performing well and showing up each and every day until the time my contract runs out,” he explained.

“Whatever happens after that is in God's hands, God is in control ultimately, so for me, it's just to put in the work."