Super Eagles GK Akpeyi’s Brilliance Splits Opinion In South Africa

Daniel Akpeyi had a mixed performance in the ABSA Premier League draw between leaders Kaiser Chiefs and Black Leopards.

The Nigeria international made his 15th league appearance for the Amakhosi, producing a few good saves, but it was not enough to earn him his eighth clean sheet of the campaign.

Samir Nurkovic gave Chiefs the lead in the 11th minute, but Leopards got back on levelled terms after Akpeyi failed to keep out a superb Mogakolodi Ngele free-kick on the half-hour mark.

However, minutes later, the Super Eagles goalkeeper had to produce a superb save to deny goalscorer Ngele, quickly diving low to keep Chiefs from conceding another.

The draw meanwhile maintained Kaiser Chiefs unbeaten run in their last five league games including two wins and one draw.

The Amakhosi are sitting top of the table with 42 points, 10 points ahead of second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns, who will be at SuperSport on Sunday.

But despite Akpeyi’s brilliance, some Amakhosi fans continued to call for the return of club favourite and South Africa’s Number 1 goaltender, Itumelenga Khune.

Khune was a hero at Chiefs until an injury allowed Akpeyi lay claim to the club’s Number 1 gloves. The return from injury of Khune has, however, coincided with Akpeyi in top form.

And Chiefs’ coach Ernst Middendorp has stuck with the 33-year-old Akpeyi, who was recently named Nigeria’s goalkeeper of the year at the inaugural Ballers Awards Ceremony.

But the decision does not sit well with a host of Khune’s loyalists.

However, a notable few South African support has emerged for Akpeyi including Kaizer Chiefs legend, William Shongwe.

“As much as we can deny it, the (Akpeyi’s) experience has been showing. The quality of Akpeyi has been there for all to see. It’s just that the supporters are spoiled. They don’t want to see anything less than Khune,” Shongwe told Kick-Off. 

“We can only hope that he continues.”

Others on Twitter agree with Shongwe’s position.