Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp has explained why he didn’t field in-form goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi against Chippa United on Wednesday.

The Glamour Boys made eight changes to the squad that beat the Chili Boys 2-0 at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in midweek from the side that started in the Telkom Knockout Cup last weekend.

However, Middendorp has since revealed that his decision to not field Akpeyi against Chippa was based on the shotstopper avoiding suspension as he has already racked up three yellow cards.

‘Daniel Akpeyi is clearly on three yellow cards and we had to look at that and make a decision in that area. I’m glad Bruce Bvuma played well and kept a clean sheet,’ Middendorp told his club’s official website.

‘The games before and after the Soweto derby are tricky. This one is more complicated and needed some juggling. Playing a derby two weekends in a row and having a midweek game were always a challenge. A huge compliment goes to the players. They are really coming to the party and adapting well to the situation.’

Kaizer Chiefs will now turn their attention to their next Absa Premiership clash with Orlando Pirates at the FNB Stadium on Saturday, with kick-off set for 3:30pm.