On Wednesday night at Loftus, it’s not just about the points; it’s a direct audition for the World Cup. Will captain Ronwen Williams hold firm, or can Brandon Petersen follow up his Derby heroics by outshining the No 1? Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Ronwen Williams’ position as Bafana Bafana’s No 1 and captain heading to the World Cup remains secure, but he cannot afford to be outplayed by one of his potential deputies – Brandon Petersen – on Wednesday night (7.30pm kick-off).
Williams is expected to marshal the defence when Mamelodi Sundowns host Kaizer Chiefs in a blockbuster Betway Premiership top-of-the-table clash at Loftus Versfeld in the nation’s capital.
On paper, Williams and his defence should win most of the duels against the Chiefs attack. They have been solid, with the Bafana No 1 recording 13 clean sheets so far in their push for a record-extending ninth consecutive league title.
However, Williams cannot afford to take anything for granted. He must remain sharp and alert to ensure Sundowns shut out any threat Chiefs may pose on the day, especially if he is not to be outshone by his opposite number, Petersen.
The Chiefs captain has continued to earn his stripes in the Amakhosi shirt, recently claiming the Player of the Match award in their 1–1 draw against arch-rivals Orlando Pirates a fortnight ago. Despite conceding, Petersen was rock-solid between the posts, producing crucial saves that ensured he outperformed his Pirates counterpart, Sipho Chaine.
Chaine was left out of the Bafana squad for the most recent camp, although he is still expected to be part of Hugo Broos’ World Cup plans, having recorded a club record 17 clean sheets before Stellenbosch’s league match on Tuesday night in Athlone.
With Broos in attendance during Petersen’s Soweto derby heroics, the Bafana coach may now have an even tougher decision to make regarding his goalkeeping options for the World Cup — between Chaine, Petersen, and Ricardo Goss — to serve as Williams’ deputy.
Given Petersen’s strong showing against Chaine, it would not be ideal for Williams to allow one of his potential understudies to outshine him in one of the league’s biggest fixtures.