Marumo Gallants goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi believes the majority of Kaizer Chiefs never really appreciated his hard work at the club.
Akpeyi joined Kaizer Chiefs from Chippa United in 2019, and was often played ahead of then club captain Itumeleng Khune.
Now, the Nigeria goalkeeper says he could feel during his stint that Kaizer Chiefs wanted Khune to play instead.
This despite all the hard work and solid performances he put whenever he was given a chance at Amakhosi.
Nonetheless, Akpeyi appreciates the chance he got to play for Kaizer Chiefs but most importantly to compete with Khune.
He holds Khune in high regards, and feels the pressure he received from Kaizer Chiefs fans made him a better goalkeeper.
Akpeyi featured in 69 competitive matches for Kaizer Chiefs, conceded 61 goals and kept 27 cleansheets during his time.
KAIZER CHIEFS FANS WANTED KHUNE, NOT ME – AKPEYI
“I must say that the pressure I was facing there is that I had to, in a positive competition with the legend himself Itumeleng Khune, it was quite fortunate for me that I had to play every game at a point in time,” Akpeyi told FARPost.
“So, that put so much pressure on me because actually, with all due respect, the fans wanted their own to play which is Itumeleng Khune.
“Quite unfortunate for him then, the coach preferred me to play at a point in time.
“That brings out the best in me because when I know that I have to compete with the best, it brings out best in me because I’m this type of person that mentally I’m strong.
“So, I don’t really bother or get scared of what the crowd says behind me because there are some games that the crowd is sitting right on top of my neck here even when I’m doing well in the game.
“But then I’ve been trained to be mentally strong, I grew up that way. I was able to go through that pressure and that only can bring out the best in me and that’s why I’m still here.”
KHUNE OR AKPEYI: WHO DID YOU PREFER?
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