A surprising selection decision for the season's most crucial match for Kaizer Chiefs has revealed deeper concerns behind the scenes, with their long-serving goalkeeper unexpectedly watching from the sidelines.
The technical team's choice to change their last line of defence for the prestigious Nedbank Cup final has raised questions about confidence issues and future selection plans as the season draws to a close.
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Amakhosi goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma has been the main first choice for the club this season playing the majority of games but missed out on the most important match, the Nedbank Cup victory over Orlando Pirates last Saturday when Brandon Petersen was the preferred number one on the day.
Insiders close to the club have indicated that it's believed that the loss to Pirates in the Betway Premiership encounter affected Bvuma's morale and confidence and that's why he was dropped for the final.
The sources added that the technical team agreed to give Bvuma the chance to regain his confidence before playing again.
"Apart from Petersen doing very well during the week in training leading to the finals, the technical team was also protecting Bruce (Bvuma) because after the Marumo Gallants and Soweto Derby defeats he was not in a good shape, confidence wise and they didn't want to put him under pressure. It was mainly for his good more than for the team," the insider told the Siya crew.
Meanwhile a second insider stated that for the remaining two games the team is believed to have put the responsibility of number one choice to Petersen.
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"Yes, for now that's the stand. Brandon is set to be the first choice in the two remaining games against Sekhukhune United and Polokwane City. They are looking at fighting to finish in the top eight and they believe with Petersen in goal they have the chance. So, yes, we can say he is the first choice now," the second insider revealed.
So far this season, Petersen has played the least amount of games as Fiacre Ntwari and then Bvuma had long stints in the starting line-up.
Soccer Laduma contacted Chiefs for comment on the matter but there was no response at the time of publishing.
This goalkeeping situation presents an intriguing subplot heading into next season for Amakhosi. Bvuma's lengthy run as first choice suggests coach Nabi values his abilities, yet the decision to protect him mentally speaks to the intense pressure of wearing the gloves for a club of Chiefs' stature.
Petersen's cup heroics and subsequent promotion to first choice creates a genuine competition that could benefit both keepers moving forward. With continental football on the horizon next season, having capable goalkeepers will be essential for Chiefs' ambitions. How Nabi manages this delicate positional battle through pre-season could prove crucial to establishing the defensive stability needed to build on their cup success and improve their league standing in the coming campaign.
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