Head coach Cavin Johnson has explained the decision to start Itumeleng Khune ahead of Brandon Petersen in Kaizer Chiefs' 3-2 win over Cape Town Spurs.
Amakhosi collected their fourth win of the season in 11 matches and a second in their last five thanks to goals from Edson Castillo, Ranga Chivaviro and Christian Saile, while Luvuyo Phewa and Luke Baartman pulled two back for the Urban Warriors.
READ | Johnson tips midfielder for bright future at Chiefs
One of the surprises on the team sheet was the absence of Petersen, who has kept four clean sheets for Chiefs this season but has also come under fire from supporters over individual errors leading to goals.
The shot-stopper was replaced by club captain Khune, who is yet to keep a clean sheet this season.
Edson Castillo ??
— SuperSport Football ?? (@SSFootball) November 8, 2023
Kaizer Chiefs waste no time and fire off with an early goal ??
?? Stream #DStvPrem live: https://t.co/TesYUfo62x pic.twitter.com/eVHt0Bi0tY
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Johnson explained that 'Beeza' was dropped as a measure to protect him.
"With Brandon (Petersen), it's a psychological thing that I do believe every goalkeeper goes through it could have happened to Khune, it could have happened to Bvuma," Johnson said.
"We need to protect what belongs to us and sometimes you have to make those decisions in order to protect the player for the future and I think he's just he'll just get stronger and stronger the way we doing it.
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The win over Spurs sees Chiefs climb up to seventh on the DStv Premiership table and may serve as a boost of confidence going into Saturday's Soweto derby against rivals Orlando Pirates.
The clash will be played at FNB Stadium.
Kick-off is at 15:00.
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