Former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi is inspiring Swallows FC in their relegation fight as the Dube Birds aim to soar clear from the drop zone after a crucial win over AmaZulu.
Akpeyi has solidified himself as the club's first-choice shot-stopper as Swallows negotiate their way towards survival.
PART 1 | Brazilian footballer who became an English tutor while picking up isiZulu
The Nigerian was on the bench in the recent defeat to Orlando Pirates a month ago after his registration was finally completed before being brought into the starting line-up for the 1-0 loss to Golden Arrows.
Then on Saturday night, he was between the posts away at AmaZulu and kept in clean with Thakasani Mbanjwa relegated to the bench.
Mbanjwa has been the first choice for most of this season conceding 26 goals from 21 appearances and rings of worry rang louder in recent times after conceding 10 in the last four games that he played.
The Birds have also used Sanele Tshabalala in three games in which he has conceded five.
With Akpeyi between the posts, Swallows have conceded one goal in two games laying bare on the table the experience factor that the 36-year-old brings.
The international experience gained from playing at the AFCON finals and being in the World Cup squad for Nigeria cannot be ignored for the goalkeeper who has also been in the PSL for the past eight years.
Akpeyi trained with Swallows since September, but the club couldn't register him due to their FIFA transfer ban which was then lifted at the end of January.
With the ban up, the veteran goalkeeper has sealed his deal with Swallows on an arrangement running up to the end of the season and will be hoping to make further impact in the last six league games.
Akpeyi didn't play any football last year with his last appearance while at Chiefs having come in December 2021.
Swallows host Mamelodi Sundowns in their next match.
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