Daniel Akpeyi to start Soweto Derby?

by Staff Reporter

Friday Feb 08, 2019. 17:15

Nigeria international Daniel Akpeyi looks set to make his debut for Kaizer Chiefs this weekend.

The Amakhosi play host to crosstown rivals Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium on Saturday, desperate to end an eight-game winless run against their greatest rivals in the Absa Premiership.

Chiefs signed Akpeyi last month following a catalogue of Virgil Vries goalkeeping errors. The last of which led to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Cape Town City.

Itumeleng Khune's long-term injury has caused a real headache for head coach Ernst Middendorp and in Akpeyi the German coach hopes to have found the shot-stopper's temporary replacement.

"We have had our issues after the injury of Itu Khune," said Middendorp. "We have reacted. We have a new goalkeeper. We have Bruce (Bvuma) as well. We will be able to select on Saturday.

Middendorp revealed that the 32-year-old's work permit will be sorted by the time the two teams head to the stadium this weekend.

“Akpeyi is available for selection‚ that’s my information as now as we are standing here‚” Middendorp added.

“I’m quite convinced that Akpeyi will be one of the keepers we have available to choose from for the Soweto Derby on Saturday.”