Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi admits that beating Mamelodi Sundowns was a key game for Amakhosi to take a firm grip on top spot in the Absa Premiership.

The 33-year-old shot-stopper was named as the Absa Premiership Player of the Month for September and October after keeping four clean sheets in his last five games, while conceding just one goal in the process.

The Nigerian international returned to action following his suspension to keep his third consecutive clean sheet during Amakhosi’s comfortable 4-0 victory over Stellenbosch FC at Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday evening.

The win saw Amakhosi stretch their lead at the top of the league table to 10-points over defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns in second place.

‘I am really delighted. After going through what I have and becoming player of the month is encouraging. It says a lot about how much you put in, hard work and perseverance lead to being rewarded,’ Akpeyi told his club’s official website.

‘Every game I played prepared me for the next game. The games before the Sundowns match got me ready for that game. As a player you want to win important games – the game against Sundowns was an important one and it was a game I was delighted that we won.’

‘I want to thank the coaching crew, the head coach and our goalkeeper coach Lee Baxter. They were patient with me and helped me along the way. To all the players as well in the squad for being supportive and to my fellow goalkeepers, I would like to say our department has healthy competition because we push each other to be the best, I thank them as well,’