Following a week of high drama in the Nedbank Cup, former Orlando Pirates star Lebohang “Cheeseboy” Mokoena has delivered a firm reality check to Kaizer Chiefs’ shot-stopper Brandon Petersen.
The critique comes after ugly scenes erupted at the DHL Stadium on Wednesday night, following Kaizer Chiefs’ shock 2-1 exit from the competition at the hands of Stellenbosch FC.
The Incident: Baptism by Fire and Water
The confrontation, which has since gone viral, occurred while Petersen was attempting to acknowledge the Amakhosi faithful after the final whistle.
- The Spark: While the 31-year-old goalkeeper was hugging a young supporter, another fan in the stands appeared to pour water (some reports suggest it was beer) over him.
- The Reaction: A visibly enraged Petersen had to be physically restrained by stadium officials and teammates as he attempted to confront the individual in the stands.
Mokoena’s Verdict: “Professionals Must Hold the Line”
Speaking to Soccer Beat, Mokoena—a veteran of the Soweto Derby and numerous high-pressure cup ties—insisted that while the fan’s behavior was unacceptable, Petersen’s retaliation was a lapse in professional judgment.
“I think he could have handled it a bit better because as professional players we are always insulted… It’s something we learn to deal with as professionals, and that’s why we are called professional players.”
Mokoena highlighted two key reasons why players must remain composed:
- The Responsibility of the Kit: Mokoena noted that when a player wears a club’s colors, they are ambassadors. Retaliating sets a poor example for the youth watching at home.
- Frustration vs. Violence: While not condoning the fan’s actions, Mokoena pointed out that the gesture likely came from a place of deep frustration after the defending champions were knocked out.
A Lighthearted Jab
In a moment of classic “Cheeseboy” wit, Mokoena downplayed the physical severity of the liquid assault:
“He poured water on him. When he [Petersen] gets into the changing room, he’s probably going to do an ice bath, which is even colder! Maybe it was hot on the field and the fan was just trying to cool him off.”
