Amakhosi goalkeeper Brandon Petersen has faced criticism for his performances this season, having missed four games through a knee injury before returning for the 3-0 win over TS Galaxy
Petersen returned for the 3-0 Carling Knockout Cup last 16 win over TS Galaxy last time out and will be between the poles when Chiefs face Orlando Pirates in the Soweto derby on Saturday.
“I think the most important thing is to know that those words and negative stuff going around doesn’t define me,” Petersen said in the build-up to the game.
“As a football and as a person I am much more than that. The second thing for me is to know my worth. It is important to know who you are and what you stand for. When you do that nothing else happening around you can buckle you or be an obstacle in the road.
“I know what I am about and what I am able to produce. I focus always on improving and giving a good display of myself.”
Petersen also backed head coach Fernando Da Cruz, who himself has not been immune from criticism.
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“There is not much you can do, people who want to speak will speak and everyone is entitled to their opinion. The noise also comes from people wanting results,” added the shotstopper.
“When you are at Chiefs results are important, but the journey is also important. 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.
“The game model the coach has set up for us is phenomenal, the guys have adapted very well. He is a good coach who handles the team very well and the team dynamics.
“It is not easy at Chiefs, the demand is always there. But credit to him and the technical team for handling the pressure well, for not transferring it to us,” he said.