Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has urged their fans to support the entire team and not individuals, especially regarding comments about Itumeleng Khune.

One of the biggest talking points leading up to the Soweto derby was who would start in goal for Amakhosi after Khune’s recently return to action.

However, Ernst Middendorp kept his faith in Akpeyi and started him ahead of Khune, which proved to be a crucial decision after the Nigerian produced a number of vital saves throughout the match.

Akpeyi went on to scoop the Man of the Match award as Amakhosi went on to beat rivals Orlando Pirates 1-0 at the FNB Stadium on Saturday evening.

‘We actually stalled the game, we planned for Pirates very well and decided that we’re not going to go wide, we’re not going to extend ourselves wide. We just gonna make sure that we stay compact and when we win the ball we have to counter, because we know where the mistakes are gonna come from them and that played out for us today,’ Akpeyi told SuperSport TV post-match.

‘Yes, I want to say this again, every supporter should support the entire team not the individual because that’s the problem I think we have. I told everyone that’s supporting me, stop pitting me against my reserve goalkeeper, or Khune rather, because as far as I’m concerned he’s a legend and he’s still No 1.

‘I’m just fortunate to play as always, so let’s support the entire team and not the individual.’

Akpeyi also thanked the coaching staff at Chiefs for keeping faith in him when the supporters turned against him.

‘First of all I want to thank my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ who has made this day possible for me. Second of all, I want to share this award with my coaches, because since day one they are the ones that actually believes in me following what happened two weeks ago,’ he added.

‘When these people [fans around the stadium] turned against me, they stood by my side and believed in me and we as a team we have it at the back of our minds that we’re the only ones on the field, it’s only when it’s good you get the support but when it’s not good you get turned down.

‘And that is why I had to play with that mindset coming here today to be here at this point. I’m only fortunate to be at the right place, at the right time for this game and I hope it continues going well like that.’