He has backed the rise of youngsters Takalani Mazhamba and Naphtali Mokoena at Naturena.The two goalkeepers, both products of Chiefs’ DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) side, have recently been invited to train with the senior team from time to time, a move Petersen believes is a crucial step in their development.
Petersen is confident that 18-year-old Mazhamba and 19-year-old Mokoena possess the qualities required to succeed at Amakhosi.
“The younger ones, Takalani and Naphy (Mokoena), are very good goalkeepers,” Petersen told Sowetan.
“They have shown at the DDC level in the games they have played and many people have been speaking about them.
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“For me, it’s important to have them as part of the first team because that’s the next step for them. Training with the first team lights up that fire in the belly to say, ‘this is where I want to be’. Once you are part of that set-up, you don’t want to look back.”
The 31-year-old, who recently signed a contract extension that will keep him at Chiefs until June next year, says he is eager to see the duo make their senior debuts in the near future.
“I am looking forward to working with them more and seeing them making their debuts very soon,” he added.
“Takalani and Naphy are both very good. They are different types of goalkeepers, but they share attributes like talent and humility.”
Mazhamba, who served as Amajita’s second-choice goalkeeper behind Fletcher Hani Smythe-Lowe at the Under-20 World Cup in Chile last October, and Mokoena will face stiff competition for senior minutes.
Both must first contend with Bontle Molefe, Fiacre Ntwari and Bruce Bvuma before challenging Petersen for the No.1 jersey.
Petersen has been a consistent presence for Amakhosi this season, missing just one of the club’s 22 matches across all competitions.
He has kept 11 clean sheets while conceding 12 goals. Mokoena, meanwhile, has been Chiefs’ first-choice goalkeeper in the DDC campaign.