Kaizer Chiefs Coach Explains Why Akpeyi Remain First Choice Spot Despite Howler Against Polokwane City

Published on: 01 March 2019

Nigeria international goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi will continue in goal as first choice of PSL side Kaizer Chiefs when they take on Highlands Park on Saturday according to coach Ernst Middendorp

Akpeyi made a deadline day move to the PSL giants from fellow league side Chippa United as cover for Itumeleng Khune who is out injured, but in what was his second league game his error against Polokwane City led to calls for him to be dropped.

A harmless effort from Walter Musona went under the body of the former first choice goalkeeper of the Super Eagles of Nigeria and it played a role in his team dropping two points in the game, where a penalty from Oscar Cardozo gave them the lead.

However coach of the team Middendorp ?insist the 32 year old Nigerian is experienced enough to bounce back from the set back and he will retain his spots between the sticks on Saturday.

“I only hope that he has the right mentality to bounce back, and not getting any effects by it. “That’s a very clear understanding, and that is what you expect from it. You expect that there will be the possibility to make a mistake. That’s normal – that’s nothing unusual”, Middendorp is quoted as saying.

“But at the moment [for Akpeyi] it’s OK. It happens. We must accept it in the moment.

“And OK, he will play, he will start. And I hope he’s mentally strong enough. It looks that way to me, and I am quite convinced that he knows that he has to do it in a proper way.”

Comments