A former Kaizer Chiefs star who was most recently with Marumo Gallants has given a massive thumbs-up to Abdeslam Ouaddou despite having worked under him for a brief spell.
Daniel Akpeyi joined Gallants from the now-defunct Moroka Swallows in September 2024.
The 38-year-old made seven appearances in 2024/25, conceding nine goals and keeping one clean sheet.
"I'm working on something at the moment, but I'm unable to discuss it. I'm currently in South Africa," Akpeyi tells KickOff.com.
READ: Cardoso makes his call for Fluminense decider
"Last season wasn't great for me because I played fewer games. Overall, I played only seven matches. I faced challenges, and whether I liked it or not, I wouldn't play unless I agreed to certain terms.
"In fact, the games I did play was because of the new coach, the one who just signed with Orlando Pirates (Abdeslam Ouaddou). When he arrived, he recognised the situation and decided he couldn’t leave me in the stands, which was part of why he started playing me.
"Fortunately, I was able to play those matches and helped the team avoid relegation.
"My challenge wasn't necessarily with the coach but rather with the management of the team. They chose to play Washington Arubi instead of me, which kept me on the sidelines.
"When the new coach came in, I chose to refocus my mindset, hoping he would give me a chance. I managed to play in the last four games, but at the beginning of the season, I faced many challenges," says Akpeyi, before giving insight on the frosty coach-club relationship.
"I know there was a conflict with Abdeslam, which may have caused issues within the team. He made decisions that the management probably didn’t agree with, but those decisions ultimately helped the team escape relegation.
READ: Sundowns urged to target ex-Chelsea & PSG defender
"I would say Abdel was more proactive compared to the other coaches before him. I might have stayed with the club if he had remained, but unfortunately, decisions are often made on behalf of coaches."
The former Nigaerian international has moved past these experiences and stated he would not mind playing in the second tier, where his experience could help a team achieve promotion.
Photo: Charle Lombard/Gallo Images
