[ad_1]
The veteran closer will miss Amakhosi’s next two games after suffering a concussion
Kaizer Chiefs has confirmed that goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi will miss the last two games of the season due to injury.
The Nigeria international suffered a head injury in Amakhosi’s 1-0 loss to Bidvest Wits on Sunday, and was replaced by Bruce Bvuma.
According to the club’s medical team, Akpeyi suffered a concussion and will continue to be monitored by the medical team throughout his recovery process.
“Daniel Akpeyi suffered a concussion on Sunday against Wits. He is ruled out for the next two games. The medical team will continue to monitor his recovery process. We wish him a speedy recovery,” the club said in a statement.
His injury is seen as a massive blow to Amakhosi’s title hopes after playing a pivotal role in helping the club sit at the top of the standings for more than a year.
Akpeyi has appeared in 25 of the Chiefs’ 28 league games, keeping 10 clean sheets and conceding 23 goals.
He has come under fire from club fans in recent weeks after conceding eight goals in five games for the Chiefs.
Akpeyi’s injury could mean the return of Itumeleng Khune, who has not been on the day’s rosters since the season resumed.
In Khune’s absence, Ernst Middendorp chose Bruce Bvuma as his second goalkeeper.
But with Amakhosi desperate to win the remaining two matches to have any chance of lifting the coveted PSL trophy.
As it stands, the Soweto giants are only at the top of the table due to a greater goal difference than second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns.
Both teams are tied at 53 points with just two games to go, and Middendorp needs its tried and tested players to do the work for it.
The German is under pressure to clinch the league title and will likely succumb to calls to bring Khune back before it is too late.
Khune only appeared twice in the league for the club, while also making two appearances in the Nedbank Cup, where the Chiefs ultimately lost to Highlands Park on penalties.
He is still regarded as the club’s number one despite his lack of playing time with Middendorp this season.