Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen has received criticism in recent days, after his two mistakes led to conceding goals against Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday.
Those two goals effectively gave the Brazilians a 2-1 victory against Amakhosi in the DStv Premiership fixture.
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On the other hand, it can be argued that Petersen actually kept Chiefs in the game with a string of saves. As a result, Peterson has also received a measure of support for his performance.
The keeper has a big supporter in former Chiefs stopper, Brilliant Khuzwayo who reminds fans that it is unfortunate that many critics only remember the mistake made while Peterson kept the team in the game.
Khuzwayo spoke to Soccer Laduma in an exclusive interview, admiring how Petersen stood up, remained strong and focused through the Sundowns match.
"I think one thing he did was that he kept the team in the game. Without him I think Chiefs could have conceded four or five on the day," Khuzwayo told Soccer Laduma.
"But you know what they say, the goalkeeper is not remembered by the saves he makes but by the goals that he concedes.
"So, people are remembering him for that mistake. Actually for both goals. But if it wasn't for him, then Chiefs could have been beaten by more than just the two goals.
"So, as I said, people will remember the goal he conceded and not the saves he made. I think he had a very good game but unfortunately he made the mistake.
"However we learn from it and we continue. I believe he has the strength to stand up and keep going," Khuzwayo said.
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Khuzwayo had gained extensive experience for the South Africa U23 team, and also played a few matches for Bafana Bafana years ago, so he knows about expectations at the highest level in the country.
He also knows about having to show your best when given a few opportunities to do so, having been in the same Chiefs squad as Itumeleng Khune during his peak.
"The message is very very easy. You continue going forward. There is no other way. There is no other choice. If he puts his head down that means he is going down. We never give up. Keep going and stay brilliant," Khuzwayo advised.
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