Itumeleng Khune on Kaizer Chiefs' Brandon Peterson's World Cup snub: 'I feel bad for him'

Former Bafana Bafana No. 1 and Kaizer Chiefs legend Itumeleng Khune “feels bad” for Brandon Peterson over his omission from the Fifa World Cup, but understands coach Hugo Broos’ reasoning behind his goalkeeper selection.

Peterson made a spectacular comeback after undergoing emergency appendix surgery on the eve of the first Soweto derby back in February. The Chiefs captain was superb between the posts during the latter part of the Betway Premiership season, helping the Soweto giants to a third-place finish in the league.

The former Ajax Cape Town shot-stopper not only won over the Amakhosi faithful with his performances, but he also had Khune singing his praises with a public endorsement for the 31-year-old to be included in the Bafana squad for the upcoming Fifa World Cup in the US, Mexico, and Canada.

However, despite being named in the 32-man preliminary squad, Peterson was ultimately culled, with Broos opting for the tried and trusted trio of Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine, and Ricardo Goss as his three goalkeepers.

Peterson’s omission reminded Khune of the competition among the keepers ahead of the 2010 Fifa World Cup on home soil.

“During 2010, I remember even me, I was so nervous that I might not make it into the squad. But again, like I said, we started as 10 goalkeepers. Muneeb Josephs, Shoaib Walters, and myself were the ones who made it in the final 23-man squad,” Khune told the media at the Carling Black Label ‘We Are The Champions’ launch in Johannesburg.

“But we had your Emile Baron, Wayne Sandilands, the late Senzo Meyiwa (rest in peace). We had your Calvin Marlin. So it was tough.

“And each and every friendly match that we would play, the coach would always drop two players and one goalkeeper. Then, you know, we didn't know what to think or whether we were going to be part of the 23-man squad. So it's so nerve-racking, not knowing whether you're going to be part of the final 26 now.”

Drawing on those memories, Khune can comprehend why Broos omitted Peterson, as he believes it is important that the goalkeeping unit shares a camaraderie that’s built up over a period of time in order for them to support each other at the Fifa World Cup, regardless of who actually plays.

“I think he went for consistency because I think all the three goalkeepers know his philosophy. And it was going to be difficult for him to call a new player like Brandon Peterson, whom he doesn't know, whom he hasn't worked with before,” said Khune, who was capped 91 times for Bafana.

“Because you have to understand, this is a big stage. And having those three top goalkeepers, all of them want to start the game. And if you have an ego, you're not going to support the one who plays ahead of you. I think that's one of the challenges coach Hugo had to deal with.

“The harmony within the camp is very important. Because remember, Pirates won the league. Sundowns won the CAF Champions League, and Ronwen wants to play. Sipho Chaine, he's defending his goalkeeper of the season accolade and he also wants to be No. 1. He wants to play.

“Then you have your Ricardo Goss, who has played a huge role in making sure Siwelele doesn't get the chop. He also wants to start.

“So you can only imagine what coach Hugo had to go through in making sure that he keeps those three top goalkeepers in his squad. Because everyone wants to start, but not all of us can start. So I feel bad for even Brandon not having made the team.”