Kaizer Chiefs preserved their undefeated start to the Betway Premiership season, but a nightmare moment from goalkeeper Brandon Petersen left supporters furious online after a chaotic 2-2 draw against Richards Bay FC at Princess Magogo Stadium.
Also see: Sundowns sink AmaZulu in high-scoring thriller
Disaster in the 8th minute
The game got off to a disastrous start for the Soweto giants when Petersen mishandled a routine back-pass inside his own 18-yard area. Attempting to clear the ball under light pressure, the shot-stopper mistimed his kick, allowing Richards Bay forward Nqaba Xulu to close him down and deflect the ball straight into the net, giving the hosts an eighth-minute lead.
Causing outrage on X (formerly Twitter), the performance provoked many fans to chime in on Petersen’s performance on the field.
He is really proving Broos right game in game out, he really didn’t deserve to be part of the world cup squad 😬🔥😂😂, maybe the other keepers are performing magic on him
— Alpha_M0406 (@That_F_Guy_Alfa) August 26, 2026
Amakhosi fight back twice
Despite the early setback, Kaizer Chiefs responded with heavy attacking pressure. In the 19th minute, Lebohang Maboe converted a penalty to bring the Glamour Boys level.
Richards Bay reclaimed the advantage in the 39th minute when Xulu headed home his second of the night from a corner. Chiefs continued to dominate possession (72%) in the second half, finally securing a point through a 77th-minute strike from Siphesihle Ndlovu, following a slick cut-back by Asanele Velebayi.
Also see: Match day: Sundowns set for AmaZulu showdown at Loftus
Coach Da Cruz frustrated by “gifts”
Speaking after the final whistle, Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz voiced his frustration at giving away easy opportunities.
“We made too many gifts to the opponents, and we lost too many points. It’s not normal to concede two goals like that when we played so well,” Da Cruz told SuperSport.
Despite the defensive lapses, Da Cruz praised the immediate impact of second-half substitutes Faiz Abrahams and Asanele Velebayi for shifting the match momentum.
For Petersen, the blunder puts his position as the primary starting keeper under immediate scrutiny. With fans demanding higher accountability and competition for places heating up across the squad, Da Cruz faces a critical decision ahead of their next fixture against Siwelele FC on Saturday, 5 September 2026.
Restoring defensive discipline will be the non-negotiable priority if Chiefs hope to transform their dominant possession stats into actual silverware this season.
Kaizer Chiefs will look to correct their defensive blunders when they head to Royal Bafokeng Stadium to face Siwelele FC on Saturday, September 5.
Also see: “He should never have been dropped”: Fans relieved as Siya Kolisi returns to lead Springboks
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