Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Petersen makes an astonishing statement about the Dstv Premiership.

Brandon Petersen believes in two things that many would have dismissed as pipe dreams not long ago: that he can wear the No. 1 jersey for Kaizer Chiefs and that the club’s DStv Premiership title race is far from over.

Despite having four games in hand, fifth-placed Amakhosi (29 points from 17 games) is 19 points behind Premiership leaders Mamelodi Sundowns (48 points from 21). However, the status of two of the extra matches that they failed to honor due to an outbreak of Covid-19 is still up in the air, so six points may not be available to play for.

Even so, converting all four games in hand to maximum points would put Chiefs on 42, seven points behind Sundowns.

“There are still a lot of games to play and a lot of points on the line, so it’s never over until it’s over,” Petersen said in Sandton on Wednesday as the Chiefs unveiled their new sleeve sponsor, Toyota.

The goalkeeper’s more realistic goal appears to be to maintain his position between the posts.

Petersen has struggled to make an impact at a top-flight club since he was 27 years old. And two starts in the Chiefs’ first two games back from a two-month domestic break do not imply that he has done so.

But, after six seasons in the First Division with Cape Town Spurs, another season sharing goalkeeping duties with Bidvest Wits in 2019-20, a full season without a club after the Clever Boys were sold, and being in fourth place in the Chiefs’ pecking order since his arrival in June, Petersen is determined to seize his chance now that he’s been given it.

That was evident in the performances. With a Nedbank Cup loss to TS Galaxy and a 0-0 league draw away to Cape Town City, Chiefs made a mediocre return from a two-month domestic break, but Petersen shone.

“As a professional footballer, you want to play for the big clubs. And I like to be in the mix with the best because it makes me better,” he said of his decision to join Chiefs, despite the fact that he knew he would be up against tough competition from fellow keepers Daniel Akpeyi, Itumeleng Khune, and Bruce Bvuma.

“My goal has always been to improve my craft and perfect my game.” You can only play as you train. Every day, I work hard and do the right things.

“Everyone, including Daniel, ‘Itu,’ and Bruce, has been doing well in training.” It’s good for us to have healthy competition because if you take one out and put the other in, he’ll do the same job.

“You have your dreams and aspirations, and I’m content as long as I’m out on the field honing my craft.” It has been an honor for me to wear the No. 1 jersey in the last two games.

“I believe it is critical for a goalkeeper to always be prepared because you never know what might happen, and when my opportunity arose, I seized it with both hands.” The goal now is to try to secure my position.”

Chiefs will play Baroka FC at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday, looking for their first league win of 2022.