Former Super Eagles and Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Willy Okpara has given Daniel Akpeyi tips on how to become first choice at South African giants Kaizer Chiefs.
Akpeyi has played the most minutes in the last two seasons of all goalkeepers at Chiefs.
But so far this season he has found regular playing time hard to come by.
Itumeleng Khune conceded twice against Mamelodi Sundowns in an MTN8 opener and was subsequently dropped.
With Bruce Bvuma next conceding three in three appearances after which Brandon Petersen was beaten four times against Royal AM.
Akpeyi was then handed a start last Sunday against Marumo Gallants and impressed in a goalless draw with Chiefs grabbing a point.
And Okpara, winner of the CAF Champions League with Pirates in 1995, advised his compatriot on how to become a regular at one of South Africa’s biggest clubs.
“It is always important to understand that being a goalkeeper is a delicate position and the only way to maintain your place is by making sure that whenever you are called upon you try as much as possible to avoid mistakes,” Okpara was quoted on kick-off.com.
“Do your best even when the team is losing 5-0 so that they say if it wasn’t for the keeper, we would have conceded 13.
“Yes, we are humans, and we are bound to make mistakes, but always seek to not repeat them. Akpeyi must continue being true to goalkeeping by training hard, supporting the one who is playing and making use of his chance when it comes so that you stay in the team.
“This was my weapon when I was still playing at Pirates. I never surrendered the opportunity, and he must capitalise on his chance because goalkeeping is the only position where only one can play at a time, unlike outfield players which have situations where even four strikers can all play depending on the situation.”
The 1998 FIFA World Cup star added:”With keepers, it is one at a time and it is important to understand and support the one playing. I don’t think Daniel should even feel that he is not the first-choice because his chance is coming after others.
“He must believe in making a difference when he plays. It is important to be calm and never feel inferior. There is no need to feel inferior at Kaizer Chiefs because this is a bog club that will always want to have a strong goalkeeping department.”
Chiefs are away to AmaZulu this weekend and it remains to be who Stuart Baxter will decide to play between the posts.
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