‘The fans wanted their own to play’: Akpeyi recalls pressure at Chiefs
Marumo Gallants goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has recalled the pressure he encountered during his time at Kaizer Chiefs where he was, for the most part of his spell, a regular in the line-up.
Akpeyi made his move to the club in the middle of the 2018/19 season from Chippa United, stepping in during Itumeleng Khune’s extended injury absence. The Nigerian man quickly hit the ground running, making his debut during the Soweto derby.
Upon his return from injury, Khune struggled somewhat in reclaiming the gloves from Akpeyi, who had solidified his place in the lineup
Speaking in an exclusive interview with this website, Akpeyi expressed his privilege of having competed with Khune, whom he regarded as a legendary goalkeeper.
He acknowledged his good fortune in being preferred by coach Ernst Middendorp at that time.
Nevertheless, he sensed that a significant portion of the Amakhosi supporters preferred Khune as the first-choice goalkeeper.
Akpeyi admitted that this situation created pressure for him, but he believes it ultimately enhanced his performance.
HOW AKPEYI DEALT WITH PRESSURE FROM FANS AT KAIZER CHIEFS
“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.”