Akpeyi reveals why struggled to play under Malesela initially at Chippa

Recalling his early days in South Africa, Marumo Gallants goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has revealed why he struggled to play under the guidance of Dan Malesela at Chippa United.

The 38-year-old keeper arrived in SA back in 2015, joining The Chilli Boys from Nigerian club Warri Wolves FC.

Malesela took on the role of caretaker coach at Chippa in December of that same year, succeeding the then-suspended head coach, Roger Sikhakhane.

Akpeyi believes that Malesela had a clear vision for the future of football, as evidenced by the playing style he implemented, which emphasised building from the back, quick offensive manoeuvres, and minimising the use of long balls.

The former Super Eagles goalkeeper admitted that he initially struggled with playing the ball from his feet during the team’s build-up play.

However, he noted that he improved over time through various training drills designed to enhance his footwork.

DANIEL AKPEYI RECALLS HOW DAN MALESELA INSTILLED MORDEN FOOTBALL IN HIM

“It’s very interesting to work with coach Dan again,” Akpeyi told FARPost.

“For me, he saw ahead of time where football was going. I know when I worked with him at Chippa when he came in, he wanted us to keep possession and not play the long balls.

“I was struggling that time when he came in to know how to build up from the back and to play with my feet. But he taught me, he initially instilled it in me on how to start playing from the back.

“And then I got used to playing with my feet and all that because he put me into a lot of drills – how to start playing from the back.

“It’s quite interesting that he saw ahead of time where football is driving to. And today, most teams try to play from the back and keep possession, and they don’t want to lose the ball.”

The two have reunited once more at Gallants this season, and Akpeyi says working with Malesela has become somewhat easier for him.

AKPEYI FEELS WORKING WITH ‘DAN DANCE’ IS ‘QUITE EASIER’ AT GALLANTS 

“And coming to work with him now makes things quite easier because now I say to myself, ‘Okay, I can play now with my feet. ‘

“So far, from my first game, you can tell that this is the direction we’re going into. We will just look to put the ball into the back of the net more.”