Moroka Swallows goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has given his insight into the struggles Kaizer Chiefs players may be going through during difficult periods, having been with the Soweto giants in some of the most demanding times.
Akpeyi left Amakhosi at the end of the 2022/23 season and was unable to secure a new club until he was registered by Swallows in the second half of last season.
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While he was at Chiefs, Akpeyi dealt with a whole lot of pressure, so he fully understands what the players who are currently at Naturena may be going through.
Swallows are set to take on Chiefs in the Premiership on Sunday, as domestic football returns after the international break. Chiefs are under pressure after losing the Soweto derby against Orlando Pirates before the international break, so they fully aware that losing another battle against a rival would not go down well with their followers.
"In my opinion, players are different. From a couple of them I have come across, the pressure with the institution might wear some of them. You get excited signing for Chiefs, but will you be able to face the pressure when the time comes? They have huge fans and when things don't go well, will you be able to face that pressure and will you be able to come out and do well? For me, those are some of the challenges some players might have," Akpeyi said to media before Swallows' morning training session on Thursday.
"Some of the seniors who have been there have faced some tough times, so I don't think they are panicking. But for some of the junior players, this could be a challenge."
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Swallows have made a good start to the season with Steve Komphela at the helm, currently lying in fifth place on 18 points. They have games in hand over three clubs that are above them, so they will be looking to move themselves up closer to Premiership leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
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