Kaizer Chiefs legend Banks Setlhodi has opened up about his own remarkable run of clean sheets during his playing days, as he joined the chorus of voices praising Brandon Petersen for equalling a record that has stood for decades.
Petersen has been at the heart of Amakhosi’s bright start to the season under Nasreddine Nabi, keeping five consecutive clean sheets as the team remains unbeaten after five matches.
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His form has drawn comparisons with Setlhodi, who last achieved the feat in 1979.
Speaking exclusively to Soccer Laduma, Setlhodi reflected on the excitement around Petersen’s form, while sharing a story from his own career that echoes the achievement.
“There was a time where I played for more than 8–9 clean sheets, almost 10, without conceding a goal,” Setlhodi recalled. “That was when I came back from injury. My first 10 games, I think, yes, it was 9 or 10. I got injured in 1975, and when I came back in 1976 after about 7–8 months with a broken leg, I went on that run.”
The Amakhosi legend explained that the sequence of clean sheets came not just in the league, but across competitions and not at the start of the season.
“When I came back from injury, I went on something like eight, nine games, almost 10, without conceding. And you must understand now, it was during the season – along the route there were cup games as well,” he said.
Setlhodi, who helped Chiefs dominate South African football in the 1970s, said he fully understands the excitement around Petersen’s achievement and insisted the current No.1 deserves every bit of the recognition coming his way.
“I understand the hype on Petersen, and he deserves it,” said Setlhodi. “What people are talking about now is the start to the season, and that’s where the records matter. It’s special to see him achieving this, especially when you look at the challenges he had when he first arrived at Chiefs. He’s grown, he’s matured, and he’s become the commander of the team.”
Setlhodi emphasised that such moments can inspire not only teammates but also the entire fanbase.
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“When a goalkeeper is doing well, nothing can go wrong for the team. His saves lift the players, and it energises the stadium. That’s what Petersen is giving Chiefs now – belief, hope, and stability.”
Petersen now has the chance to write his name outright into the history books if he keeps another clean sheet when Chiefs face Sekhukhune United after the international break, with top spot in the Betway Premiership at stake.
