Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp has praised Super Eagles goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi’s performance for the Club since replacing Itumeleng Khune in goal.
Akpeyi has been fantastic in goal for the Amakhosi so far as he helped the Club reach the Telkom Knockout Cup semi-finals with a win over Orlando Pirates.
Middendorp admits it was difficult for Akpeyi to settle at first and replace Khune before the coach believes the Super Eagles 2019 Afcon first-choice goalkeeper has filled the gap perfectly.
“He’s very grown-up, he always performed and I think sometimes you have people who say the wall is grey and some other people for some odd reason they say no the wall is green,” Middendorp said to the media.
“I understand, he just came in to help the club with Itumeleng Khune injured, he had to improve and be better, and I think there’s a certain institution who worked on these issues.
“As I said, he’s grown up and well experienced and has played in the World Cup. Despite outside criticism, he’s been performing and he’s a very special player.”
“Khune’s injury has left us with problems but it seems the gap is getting filled by Akpeyi.”
Akpeyi has been rewarded with a recall back into the Nigeria national team ahead of the 2021 African Cup of Nations qualifiers showdown with the Benin Republic and Lesotho.
