Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp believes goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi’s experience is coming to the fore, saying the gap left by Itumeleng Khune is slowly getting filled.
The Nigerian international has been one of the consistent performers for the Naturena-based club of late, helping Amakhosi to reach the Telkom Knockout Cup semi-finals with a win over Orlando Pirates.
Although Middendorp admits they miss the Bafana number one, but having an experienced keeper who has played at the Fifa World Cup has brought relief.
“He’s very grown-up, he always performed and I think sometimes you have people who say the wall is grey and some other people for some odd reason they say no the wall is green,” Middendorp said to the media as quoted by Isolezwe.
“I understand, he just came in to help the club with Itumeleng Khune injured, he had to improve and be better, and I think there’s a certain institution who worked on these issues.
“Like I said, he’s grown up and well experienced and has played in the World Cup. Despite outside criticism, he’s been performing and he’s a very special player.”
Moreover, the German manager has heaped praise on goalkeeper coach Lee Baxter, whom he says deserves the credit in helping the Super Eagles international.
“Let’s not forget the work done by the goalkeeping coach Lee Baxter, it’s a result of having a well-qualified goalkeeping coach,” continued the coach.
“Khune’s injury has left us with problems but it seems the gap is getting filled by Akpeyi.”
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COMMENTS
Are we witnessing a transformation from AKPA-BASKET to AKPA-MAGNET? Has the Akpeyesque one really turned a new leaf? I have not seen him recently. I am relying on reports I’m reading here on CSN. If the guy truly has become so good overnight, and has lost the jittery and absent minded demeanor that raises my BP and tension levels during matches, then that is a good thing for us. Let him come back to the SE squad. My only request is that he should not have a guaranteed shirt. He should duke it out fair and square with Okoye and Ezenwa, and whoever is selected to man the post has my unequivocal support.