Chiefs captain Brandon Petersen on how they shut the noise ahead of Soweto Derby**
Kaizer Chiefs captain and goalkeeper Brandon Petersen has urged the team to block out external criticism and focus on their own progress as they prepare for Saturday’s Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates.
Speaking at the pre-derby media conference, Petersen addressed the scrutiny that has followed both himself and the club’s technical staff, including coach Fernando Da Cruz.
He insisted that negative comments do not define the players or the team.
“I think the most important thing for me is to know that those words and negative stuff going around doesn’t define me as a person, as a footballer, because I’m much more than that,” Petersen said.
“It’s important to know who you are and what you stand for. When you get that right, nothing else that’s happening around you really phases you.”
The Chiefs skipper described the surrounding noise as inevitable at a club of Kaizer Chiefs’ size.
“Noise is noise,” he stated. “People who want to speak will speak and everyone is entitled to their opinion.
“The noise also comes from people wanting results. When you are at Chiefs, results are important, but the journey is also important.”
Petersen pointed to clear progress in the team’s playing style under the current coaching setup, while acknowledging that converting chances remains the main area for improvement. “If you look at where we are and the type of football we want to play, there has been a lot of improvement. The only thing lacking has been converting chances. If we had converted half the chances we created in the games where we dropped points, we would be talking a different story.”
He stressed that the squad’s priority is staying focused on their work rather than reacting to outside opinions. “For us it’s important to know that the noise is there, but focus on what we are doing. The main focus should always be improving and getting better.”
The Soweto Derby takes place at FNB Stadium, with both sides looking to claim vital Betway Premiership points and bragging rights in one of South African football’s biggest fixtures. Petersen is expected to lead Chiefs out as they aim to translate their improved performances into results against their traditional rivals.
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