Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp again had to defend his decision to bench Itumeleng Khune for Daniel Akpeyi this past weekend.
The Nigeria international returned to the starting line-up after being rested in Amakhosi’s 1-0 win over Royal Eagles in the Nedbank Cup.
However, he made a goalkeeping error which led to Maritzburg United’s first goal this past weekend, and Middendorp was asked if he intends to bring Khune back any time.
He said he is well aware the country wants Khune to start, but questioned whether or not his goalkeeping department headed by Lee Baxter, doesn’t know what they are doing by continuously selecting Akpeyi ahead of Mzansi’s No.1.
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“I know it’s something that the entire country is looking into [that Khune must start ahead of Daniel Akpeyi],” Middendorp told reporters.
“This one must play, this one must play but are you really convinced that our goalkeeping coaching department is not able to see what’s going on and when the time is right? Are you really thinking we just do because whatever?” a visibly annoyed Middendorp asked.
Middendorp hinted one of the reasons Khune hasn’t been a regular is because of his struggles with injuries, especially after rushing him back in October last year only to be out of action for months.
“There was a player thrown in, and I said it in October that he was thrown in too early. Totally from one week to another and what then happened? Out for three to four months again,” argued the 61-year-old mentor.
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Coach Tell them
“….I know it’s something that the entire country is looking into [that Khune must start ahead of Daniel Akpeyi],” Middendorp told reporters…….This one must play, this one must play but are you really convinced that our goalkeeping coaching department is not able to see what’s going on and when the time is right? Are you really thinking we just do because whatever?……..”
Good response by the German….together with his Scottish Goalkeeping Coach Lee Baxter. Trust me if these guys were black, they would have bowed to sentiments. The club is having a sniff of a league title after so many years, thanks to the contributions of players like Akpeyi selected wholly on merit, but xenophobic and sentiment driven people MUST have it their way.
Most fans on CSN are not any different….this one must play…that one must play…this one must be invited….that one must not be invited….as if we know better than those who have been employed to do the job.
I get your explanation…but when it comes on decision making out aside your ego…if your reliable player is not performing for that day substitute them period dnt try prove a point u call the shots
It is very clear that the coach doesn’t like the truth. How would you compare Akpayi to Khune?
Whenever Khune manned the post for South Africa against Nigeria, Khune ready to die on the pitch while Akpayi keeps fumbling and the coach is lying to the South Africans?
Akpayi is not the type of goalkeeper we needed in Super Eagles. Whenever he Akpayi manned the post, I don’t feel like we have a goalkeeper at the goal post. Not that I don’t like him as a person but he never convinced me as a good goalkeeper. God bless Nigeria!!!
So you are the one who will tell the coach the truth Abi…? Lolz
You know more than the coaches (Middendorp and Baxter) working with both keepers on daily basis. Abi Akpeyi has bribed his coaches in KC too…? LMAO
Akpeyi does not need to convince you, he only needs to convince his coaches…and they seem convinced enough to allow him continue to lead their title charge after many trophyless seasons.
If e pain u…go nak head for wall.
@omo9ja, I’m sorry to say but with all due respect and hoping you don’t misconstrue my words, Oga your brain dey touch. You are putting down your country man and think you will prosper ba? Well that thunder from the coronavirus country, is on its way fully loaded. Please stay one place to receive it. Thanks
Who God has bless no one cause
_Akpeyi receives backing of club coach_
Although Super Eagles goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi will not be in post for Kaizer Chiefs against Highlands Park in the Nedbank Cup match today, coach Middendorp maintains that he remains the first choice goalkeeper for the club.
Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune will be in post for today’s match.
Last week, mistimed run by Daniel Akpeyi partly led to a goal conceded by Kaizer Chiefs against Maritzburg in their 2:1 home loss in the league leading to harsh criticisms from some quarters of Akpeyi’s goalkeeping abilities.
Some asked for Akpeyi to be consigned to the bench for the remainder of the season.
However, coach of Kaizer Chiefs Middendorp maintained he confidence in Akpeyi by saying:
“Let me make one thing clear, our supporters are very intelligent, they don’t get carried away just because there was a little small mistake [by Akpeyi] and we conceded in our defensive work.
We’ve seen a fantastic Daniel Akpeyi over months, rescuing us in the final stages by saving a penalty; he was very crucial in other games and, as everyone knows, he was the Player of the Month [for September-October].
What we have seen over the past seven or eight months, please guys, everybody who observes and follows Kaizer Chiefs knows exactly what a goalkeeper like Daniel Akpeyi has done for us during this season.”
There is no way in this moment for me, for us, or each and everybody in this sorted Kaizer Chiefs so-called family, who is ignoring it.”
The coach indicated that he will continue rotating his squad so that one goalkeeper keeps in the league whilst another keeps in cup competitions.