Daniel Akpeyi of Kaizer Chiefs being congratulated by teammates during the Absa Premiership 2019/20 match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs on the 29 February 2020 at FNB Stadium, Soweto Pic Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
Stop pitting me against Khune – Daniel Akpeyi
Following his heroics in the Soweto Derby, Daniel Akpeyi had a strong message for Kaizer Chiefs fans.
Daniel Akpeyi of Kaizer Chiefs being congratulated by teammates during the Absa Premiership 2019/20 match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs on the 29 February 2020 at FNB Stadium, Soweto Pic Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi revealed that he rates teammate Itumeleng Khune when accepting his man-of-the-match award, following Saturday’s Soweto Derby.
Derby redemption for Kaizer Chiefs keeper
The Nigerian international pulled off a number of crucial saves to keep rivals Orlando Pirates scoreless as the Glamour Boys ran off 1-0 winners.
His performance was a redeeming one, following his showing in the 2-1 home defeat to Maritzburg where a costly error on his part gave the KZN side the victory.
Despite Khune being match fit, Akpeyi retained the gloves for the big derby amid deafening calls from some supporters, who would have loved to see the Bafana star get a start on Saturday.
The 33-year-old urged the fans not to pit him against Khune, or any other Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper.
“I want to say this again, every supporter should support the entire team, not the individual because that’s the problem I think we have,” he told Supersport TV.
“And I told everyone that’s supporting me stop tugging me against my reserve goalkeeper or Khune rather because as far as I’m concerned he’s a legend and he’s still number one.
“I’m just fortunate to play as always, so let’s support the entire team and not the individual.”
Daniel Akpeyi
Following what had been a difficult period for Akpeyi, he thanked the coaches for keeping faith in him after his howler against Maritzburg..
“When these people [fans around the stadium] turned against me but they stood by my side and believed in me and we as a team we have it at the back of our minds that we’re the only ones on the field, it’s only when it’s good you get the support but when it’s not good you get turned down.
“And that is why I had to play with that mindset coming here today to be here at this point, I’m only fortunate to be at the right place, at the right time for this game and I hope it continues going well like that.”
Daniel Akpeyi
The clean sheet against Pirates was Akpeyi’s ninth in 18 league matches this season.
Kaizer Chiefs are next in action on Saturday, 7 March when they host AmaZulu at FNB Stadium.
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