Akpeyi out Ndah in as Chiefs down Pirates in Soweto derby

Super Eagles goalie Daniel Akpeyi was not listed as Kaizer Chiefs ran away with a 2-1 victory in Soweto Derby against arch rivals Orlando Pirates on Saturday.

Compatriot Olisa Ndah who plies his trade with Orlando Pirates was however in action for the entire duration of the match but could not stop Chiefs from winning the high profile derby. As if that was not enough headaches for Ndah, he also saw yellow in the 75th minute of the match alongside teammate Thabang Monare who was equally flashed yellow in the 62nd minute.

Meanwhile Pirates coach Mandla Ncikazi was full of apologies for the club fans following the loss to Kaizer Chiefs .

Amakhosi completed a league double over their fierce rivals courtesy of a stunning Reeve Frosler strike and Eric Mathoho’s header.

“I just want to take this opportunity to apologise to ‘Happy People’, the supporters of Orlando Pirates, and the management,” said the Buccaneers co-coach Ncikazi.

“It’s a result that this club does not deserve. You can’t lose twice to Kaizer Chiefs in one season. I just hope they (the supporters and management) still trust the process.
Olisa Ndah was in full action for Orlando Pirates in Saturday’s derby

“You must also understand that there was a change in leadership in-between the seasons. Without making any excuses, supporters of Orlando Pirates and management don’t deserve what happened today.

“It’s highly disappointing and on behalf of the technical team, I’m just as disappointed and I really apologise. I just hope they keep faith and hope because we can still improve and be better with time.”

Meanwhile, Pirates are still chasing a second-place finish in the Premiership, despite champions elect and log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns suffering a shocking defeat to Maritzburg United over the weekend.

Pirates (32 points) remain in fourth place, with one game in hand but are 19 points behind Sundowns.

Second place Royal AM have 36 points, with two games in hand and Chiefs are in third place with 35 points but remain waiting on the verdict regarding the fixture saga case as they currently have four games in hand.

“Mathematically, it’s still possible (to finish second), as long we’re in that position (fourth) that we’re in and the gap is not big,” said Ncikazi.