Petersen made an immediate impact on his comeback, keeping a clean sheet as Amakhosi secured a convincing 2-0 victory over TS Galaxy at FNB Stadium.

The 31-year-old had been sidelined since February due to injury, missing five matches, including the Soweto Derby.

Before his setback, Petersen had been in outstanding form, registering 12 clean sheets in 17 league appearances and establishing himself as one of the most reliable goalkeepers in the Betway Premiership.

Kaze highlighted the importance of having his captain back in the line-up.

“About Brandon, he is our captain and a player who gives you confidence and stability at the back,” said Kaze. “He is a leader on and off the field, and we are happy that he is back. I hope he can maintain this level of performance going forward.”

The coach also reserved praise for Lebohang Maboe, who has been instrumental in Chiefs’ strong run of form. The midfielder, formerly of Mamelodi Sundowns, has delivered consistent performances, collecting four Man of the Match awards, including three in succession.

Kaze emphasised Maboe’s influence in the middle of the park, noting his ability to control the tempo, contribute on set-pieces, and guide teammates both technically and mentally.

With Petersen back between the posts and Maboe pulling the strings in midfield, Amakhosi will be confident of extending their momentum when they face Magesi FC at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday.

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Jiyane, 23, joined Abafana Bes’thende towards the end of last season after leaving Royal AM.

And he has quickly established himself as a key figure at the back. His consistent performances earned him the captain’s armband under Mngqithi.

The Arrows coach believes the young centre-back has been instrumental to the team’s progress, highlighting his reliability and strong character.

“I think he’s been very instrumental in our team. He’s worked his way into the starting eleven and even into the captaincy because he’s one of our most consistent players,” said Mngqithi.

Despite concerns from some quarters about his height, Mngqithi insists Jiyane’s defensive qualities more than compensate, especially in one-on-one situations.

“He reminds me of Sangweni in one-against-one situations. He’s very good, very quick, and energetic. For the way we want to play, we need defenders with speed and aggression,” he added.

Mngqithi also praised Jiyane’s partnership with Ntandoyenkosi Mabaso, noting that their pace and ability to win duels have strengthened the team defensively.

Drawing global comparisons, the coach referenced Italian greats Fabio Cannavaro and Alessandro Nesta as examples of defenders who excelled despite not being the tallest.

He believes Jiyane has similar potential, provided he continues developing at the same rate.

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But head coach Miguel Cardoso insists the job is far from done as they still have another 90 minutes against the hard running Esperance de Tunis side next weekend.

A second-half strike from Bryan Leon in the 51st minute proved decisive, as the Brazilians held firm under pressure to secure a valuable first-leg advantage.

The result puts the Tshwane giants just 90 minutes away from reaching back-to-back finals.

However, Cardoso was quick to downplay any sense of completion, stressing that the tie remains wide open.

“The match was what we expected. We wanted to control possession and find spaces,” he said after the game.

Sundowns found their rhythm early in the first half, but the coach says their positioning fell short of expectations.

Tactical adjustments at the break proved key, as the team returned sharper and more purposeful.

“We corrected a few things in the second half, and the goal gave us an important emotional lift,” Cardoso explained.

The closing stages brought added tension when Grant Kekana was sent off with just minutes remaining, forcing Sundowns to dig deep defensively.

“It became more complicated after we lost Grant. We had to close up and protect what we had,” Cardoso added.

With the decisive second leg set for Loftus Stadium, the Sundowns mentor has already set the tone for what is expected.

“The attitude at home must be even stronger — more commitment, more discipline, more control,” he said.

Despite their advantage, Cardoso made it clear: Sundowns will not sit back.

“We have to play to win. If you don’t, the game becomes dangerous.”

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Amakhosi are currently in good form and have registered four wins in a row which has seen them cement their third place in the Betway Premiership log.

The Naturena side will probably finish the season without any trophy, and according to Baloyi, there is something they can do to appease the supporters.

Speaking on the Soccerbeat Podcast, Baloyi says if Kaizer Chiefs can beat both title chasers Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, they would have done well.

“When you have a season like this, where you have won nothing, and you have nothing to paly for yet you still have to play Pirates and Sundowns…

“The only thing the supporters can demand of you is that you beat Sundowns and Pirates – that would be the only consolation for the supporters.

“I hope the boys know and understand that and they will go out and do it, beat Pirates and beat Sundowns,” said Baloyi.

Chiefs will play Pirates on April 26 at FNB Stadium. Amakhosi lost the first round match 3-0 in February and will be looking for revenge.

They will then meet Sundowns on May 6 away at Loftus Stadium.

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Amakhosi delivered a composed performance at FNB Stadium on Sunday, controlling key phases of the match while remaining solid at the back.

Galaxy struggled to break down a disciplined Chiefs defence, with Lilepo sealing the result late on after capitalising on a goalkeeping error.

The result marks a remarkable turnaround for Chiefs, who have bounced back strongly after a difficult spell earlier in the season.

Wins over Durban City, Magesi, Orbit College and now Galaxy have reignited their campaign and strengthened their push for a top-three finish.

But Kaze insists the job is far from done.

“We need to keep pressure — in training, in recovery, in everything we do,” he said. “We can’t relax. We have to improve every day and stay focused in every session.”

The coach also highlighted the return of key players from injury as a major boost, with increased competition raising standards across the squad.

“Having players like Khanhyisa Mayo, Ox Mthethwa, Ethan Chisslet, Given Msimango and Bradley Cross back gives us more options. It makes the team stronger in every way,” he added.

Chiefs’ growing depth was evident, with Ethan Chislett among those making an impact off the bench.

With momentum firmly on their side, Amakhosi have now opened a gap over chasing teams and are well-positioned in the race for CAF Confederation Cup qualification.

However, Kaze’s message is clear: consistency, not comfort, will define their season.

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The South African referee has been named among 52 match officials for the global showpiece in the USA, Mexico and Canada, scheduled from June 11 to July 19.

He will be joined by experienced assistant referee Zakhele Siwela, who will be officiating at his third World Cup.

While FIFA is yet to officially confirm payment structures for the 2026 edition, previous figures from the 2022 tournament in Qatar paint a clear picture of what awaits.

At the last World Cup, referees — including South Africa’s Victor Gomes — received a base fee of around $70 000 (approximately R1.15 million). Assistant referees earned about $25000 (roughly R410 000).

On top of that, match fees significantly boosted earnings. Referees were paid around $3 000 (R49 000) per group stage match, rising to $10 000 (R164,000) in the knockout rounds. Assistant referees earned slightly less, but still substantial amounts per game.

With match officials typically handling at least two games during the tournament, Tom is almost guaranteed to cross the million-rand mark — even before additional match fees are considered.

Given that FIFA has already approved increased funding for the expanded 2026 tournament, expectations are that officials could earn even more this time around.

For Tom, it’s a reward that matches the magnitude of the moment — stepping onto football’s biggest stage, with both prestige and a lucrative payday to follow.

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Amakhosi climbed up to third place on the Betway Premiership log following their impressive 3-1 win over Orbit College, and the mood in the camp is one of belief — but also caution.

Playmaker Ethan Chislett says the squad is fully aware that past results count for nothing heading into their next assignment.

“Confidence is high, but we know we can still improve,” said Chislett. “We can’t dwell on previous results — our full focus is on TS Galaxy.”

Despite Galaxy’s recent struggles in the league, winger Asanele Velebayi has warned against complacency, pointing to their strong cup form.

“They are a team with character and a strong mindset,” he said. “They’ve done well in the cup, so we expect a tough game.”

With momentum on their side, Amakhosi will be eager to deliver again — and they are calling on their supporters to play their part.

Kick-off is set for 15:00 on Sunday at FNB Stadium.

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The Buccaneers dropped crucial points at the uMhlathuze Sports Complex on Friday evening — a result that could prove costly in the race for the league crown.

Pirates remain second on 55 points after 24 matches, but leaders Mamelodi Sundowns now have the opportunity to stretch their advantage further.

Ouaddou admitted his side fell short of expectations against the Natal Rich Boyz, particularly after failing to convert early chances.

“We came here for three points, especially considering the title race, but we didn’t achieve that,” said the Pirates mentor.

“I think we created early chances and could have scored first, but the game didn’t go the way we wanted.”

The coach also pointed to defensive lapses, particularly from set-pieces — an area Pirates have been strong in throughout the season.

“We were caught on a set-piece, and that hasn’t happened for a long time. Normally we are one of the best teams defending those situations,” he explained.

Despite the setback, Ouaddou praised his team’s resilience after fighting back in a difficult encounter.

“It’s not easy to come here. It’s a small pitch, a very organised and brave team. We managed to do the difficult part by coming back.”

With the title race slipping away, Ouaddou admitted the road ahead is now steep — but not impossible.

“Things will be difficult, but nothing is impossible. We still have a small chance to dream,” he said.

“We must not waste that chance. We have to fight in every game until the end and see what happens.”

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The heartwarming scene unfolded at Orlando Amstel Arena, where the young fan arrived early carrying a handwritten placard that quickly caught attention both in the stadium and online.

“Mofokeng, can you please come sign my dress after the game,” the sign read.

Images of the girl holding her message soon went viral on social media, with many hoping the rising star would see it.

And he did not disappoint.

Following his Man of the Match performance, Mofokeng made his way to meet the supporter, signing her dress just as she had asked.

But he went a step further — gifting her a signed Orlando Pirates jersey and taking pictures with her to mark the special moment.

The gesture sparked widespread praise online, with fans applauding the 21-year-old’s humility and connection with supporters.

At a time when Mofokeng’s star continues to rise on the pitch, it’s moments like these that are winning him even more admiration off it.

He is proving that he is not only one of the country’s brightest talents, but also one of its most grounded stars.

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With seven games left now to the end of the season, both Tapelo Xoki and Sihle Nduli remain sidelined by injuries sustained earlier this season.

Nduli has been out of action since November 2025 after suffering a serious foot injury during a Betway Premiership clash against Golden Arrows.

Xoki, meanwhile, has been sidelined even longer. The 31-year-old last featured in May 2025.

He had just recovered from an injury when he was involved in a horrific accident alongside Ouaddou, goalkeeper coach Tyron Damons.

They had stepped out of the team bus to assist in an accident when another car rammed into them.

Despite the setbacks, Ouaddou says both players are making encouraging progress.

“They are doing well. Nduli is in rehabilitation now,” said Ouaddou this week.

“It’s very important to stay close to these kind of players. Not only him, Tapelo as well… they are doing well, both of them.”

The coach added that both players have started returning to light work on the pitch, but cautioned against rushing their comeback.

“They are on track, but I cannot tell you that maybe we have a chance to see them before the end of the season.

“The most important is to make a very good rehabilitation in order to come back stronger,” added the Moroccan coach.

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