Chiefs handle Petersen’s Soweto Derby outburst internally

Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen appeared to have a run-in with coach Cavin Johnson immediately after the final whistle of the Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium earlier this month.

The incident was captured on camera by broadcasters and trended on social media, leaving Johnson no choice but to respond to the media during his post-match press conference a few minutes later.

His answer was dignified, the coach saying what had happened was “normal between a player and a coach” on the back of losing a game against their bitter rivals. The Siya crew now understands that the Chiefs hierarchy did address the matter and wanted to know more given the social media backlash.

The football fraternity was split down the middle – some arguing that Petersen was disrespectful to the coach, while others, including Johnson, likened the incident to the regular public confrontations between Manchester City captain Kevin De Bruyne and manager Pep Guardiola.

It’s understood that the decision taken at Naturena was to not entertain the issue any more than what Johnson had already said to the press, preferring to deal with it internally and were satisfied with the report from the squad that this was a storm in a teacup.

Chiefs have shown to be big on discipline this season having suspended club veteran Itumeleng Khune and midfielder Mduduzi Mdantsane for misconduct.

Petersen has also recently signed a new two-year contract and it’s believed he is well-respected within the dressing room because of his general demeanour.