Akpeyi sad to miss Bucs game

Yellow card blocks out Chippa keeper

Chippa United keeper Daniel Akpeyi is disappointed he will be watching the team’s Premiership season opener against Orlando Pirates from the stands due to suspension.

The Nigerian goalkeeper received a fourth yellow card in the last game of the previous season against Free State Stars and is forced to sit out for one game.

The Chilli Boys play the Buccaneers at Orlando Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 6pm).

“I feel so disappointed that I won’t be starting the season with the team, but these things happen. It’s quite unfortunate that I received a yellow card last season in the final game of the league,” Akpeyi said.

“I feel sad that I will be missing out on a game of such magnitude, but I do wish the team all the best and my spirit is always with them.

“The players have been working so hard. The spirits are very high now, we are all looking forward to this game and I am sure we would like to finish the game with a very good result.

“It’s going to be an interesting game though,” he said.

The signing of former Pirates goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo will bring some competition to the Chippa goalkeeping department.

However, the 31-year-old Nigerian from Nnewi does not seem to be worried about the new recruit, saying the new addition will keep everyone on their toes.

“No, it’s a good thing that the team has signed another experienced goalkeeper. [This does] not mean the goalkeepers prior or current are not experienced, everybody is pushing.”