Kaizer Chiefs head coach, Ernst Middendorp explained his decision to choose Daniel Akpeyi ahead of Itumeleng Khune in the Soweto Derby.
Ahead of the derby, there was all kinds of speculation about which goalkeeper will be chosen between the poles, given that Khune is officially back to full fitness. However, it was an easy decision for the German tactician and it did not 'backfire' given how beloved Khune is to his club and country.
Akpeyi scooped the Man of the Match award on Saturday afternoon after his crucial saves helped the team to clinch all three points against Orlando Pirates at the FNB Stadium.
"That is the job we are in – as coaches, it backfires. If you go (with options like) – if I make this decision, it could backfire on me, or no, rather take the beloved Itumeleng Khune and ignore the performance level from a player you have in a training session (Akpeyi). If you really think so far as to if it will backfire – no come on, then go and sell insurance or do something else," Middendorp told the media.
