Goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi is back in contention for the Kaizer Chiefs’ top spot in his DStv Premiership match at Chippa United on Tuesday night, coach Gavin Hunt confirmed
The Nigerian goalkeeper who played the most games last season and was nominated Goalkeeper of the Season at the PSL Awards, was not available for Amakhosi’s first two games because he had a passport problem.
Itumeleng Khune started in both matches for the Chiefs and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper was criticized by club fans, blaming him for the club’s 3-0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns last weekend.
It is unclear at this time whether Khune will maintain his position in goal for this evening’s clash against Chippa or if Akpeyi will be called up.
“Daniel Akpeyi has travelled with the team. He is available for selection after recovering from injury and his passport renewal is also sorted. It is always good to have competition in all areas of the team,” Hunt told the club’s website on Tuesday morning.
Akpeyi’s return will be welcome at the Amakhosi camp, especially after Itumeleng Khune’s not-so-unusual performance against Mamlodi Sundowns last weekend.
The game at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is scheduled for 7:30 pm and Hunt hasn’t changed much as far as the team that played against Mamelodi Sundowns last weekend is concerned.
“It is a matter of quick recovery on all fronts. We gave the team a break on Sunday and got back on Monday to prepare for tonight. There is actually no time to effect many changes in the team.”
“We pretty much travelled with the same squad that was in camp for the Sundowns game. We reviewed the Sundowns game and saw where we went wrong. Chippa will bring a different dimension to the match. They will have their confidence high after opening with a draw away to Cape Town City.”
“We will have to lift our game and try to dominate them from the first whistle. It is the second game of the season and it will not be easy to judge and make up how teams are setup at this stage,” said Hunt.
