READ: Kaizer Chiefs’ Brandon Petersen Shines in Nedbank Cup Final Triumph

Durban, May 12, 2025 — Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen expressed profound gratitude and pride after being selected ahead of teammate Bruce Bvuma for the Nedbank Cup Final, where Chiefs secured a 2-1 victory over Orlando Pirates on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Moses Mabhida Stadium. The win ended the club’s 10-year trophy drought and earned them a spot in the 2025-26 CAF Confederation Cup.

The highly anticipated Soweto derby saw Chiefs take an early lead through Gaston Sirino, with Pirates equalizing via Evidence Makgopa before Yusuf Maart’s decisive goal clinched the title. This triumph marked Chiefs’ first silverware since 2015, a significant milestone for a team that has struggled recently, sitting ninth in the Betway Premiership with only one win in their last eight matches prior to the final.

Petersen, 30, who joined Chiefs in 2020 from Bidvest Wits, described the opportunity to start as “an honor and a blessing.” Having seen limited action this season, with Bvuma often preferred, Petersen acknowledged the scrutiny faced by the goalkeeping department. “We’ve been under pressure, and there’s been a lot of criticism lately, but we’ve stayed focused,” he said. He embraced the challenge, stating, “Playing for Chiefs is pressure, but pressure is a privilege, and today we showed up and wanted it more.”

The victory held deep personal significance for Petersen. “Ending our 10-year trophy drought feels like breaking a curse,” he remarked, calling the win “a dream come true.” He dedicated the triumph to Chairman Kaizer Motaung, the players’ families, and Chiefs’ supporters, saying, “This one was for the Chairman, our families, and all our wonderful supporters who have stood by us through thick and thin.”

Coach Nasreddine Nabi’s decision to select Petersen was rooted in a desire to “protect” Bvuma, who had faced intense criticism after conceding 23 goals in 23 matches this season. Nabi praised Petersen’s readiness, stating, “Brandon has worked hard and deserved this opportunity.” The choice paid off, with Petersen delivering a composed performance in the high-stakes final.

The Nedbank Cup victory provides a springboard for Chiefs, who now aim to secure a top-eight finish in the Betway Premiership with two league matches remaining. Petersen expressed optimism, saying, “This success will motivate us to win more trophies in the future.” The win also qualifies Chiefs for the CAF Confederation Cup, offering a chance to compete on the continental stage.

Petersen’s leadership and resilience in the final position him as a key figure in Chiefs’ potential resurgence. His earlier comments in January 2025, when he highlighted the Nedbank Cup as a chance to “change our fortunes,” proved prophetic. With renewed momentum, Petersen and Chiefs are poised to build on this historic triumph.