Veteran Nigerian and Marumo Gallants goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has revealed what he intends to do after hanging up his gloves.
The vastly experienced keeper feels that when the time is right to walk away, he will turn to help budding goalkeepers. Akpeyi, who turns 39 in August, admits he will continue to work hard for future goalkeepers.
The former Kaizer Chiefs shot-stopper has been in the Betway Premiership for almost a decade. He joined the league in July 2015. Akpeyi has also played for Chippa United, Kaizer Chiefs and the now-defunct Moroka Swallows.
Akpeyi has made over 230 appearances across all competitions in the PSL, with most of his matches played during his stint at Amakhosi.
WHAT AKPEYI SAID ABOUT RETIREMENT
Though he did not reveal when he intends to call it a day, Akpeyi shared his vision and his desire to uplift budding goalkeepers. In an interview with FARPost, Akpeyi said he aims to rise and be a reputable goalkeeper coach in Africa.
“Goalkeeping is my life and I also want to help groom young goalkeepers so that they can realise their potential the same way I did,” he said.
“After joining Chippa United, it took me four seasons to be identified by big teams, and then I made my move to Kaizer Chiefs. So it would make me happy if I invest in goalkeepers’ coaching. I want to help youngsters, the same way I was helped back home.”
Meanwhile, Akpeyi has had relatively little game time at Marumo Gallants since his arrival after Moroka Swallows disbanded.
This season, he has played six Betway Premiership matches. Washington Arubi has been preferred even before Abdeslam Ouaddou replaced Dan Malesela.
Akpeyi admitted that his transition from The Dube Birds to Siwelele Sa Marumo was not smooth. As a result, he has been playing second fiddle.
RELATED STORY: Daniel Akpeyi opens up Swallows players’ strike over unpaid salaries
