Kaizer Chiefs have experienced a trophy drought that has gone on for six years, but redemption looks to be in sight as they have a date with destiny on July 17.
Kaizer Chiefs’ Nigerian goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi is hoping the team can bring smiles to the faces of their numerous fans by winning the CAF Champions League.
On July 17, the team will lock horns with Al Ahly for the CAF Champions League title, and all hands are on deck to ensure they win the title. Chiefs reach for the first time the final of the continents premier competition. The Amakhosi are very desperate to win the title and end the longest trophy drought in their 51-years existence.
The import of the situation is clear to Akpeyi, and he applauded the fans for their patience while encouraging them for support as they look to bring in their first silverware in six years.
“I must applaud the fans for their patience all these years because they have been waiting for the team to deliver a trophy for a few years now,” said Akpeyi.
“We are at that stage of doing it in a very big way this time around. They have been patient. They have been peaceful. They have been yearning for a trophy, and here we are at this stage, and all I hope for is that they keep believing in the team no matter the circumstances.
Akpeyi also acknowledged that there was a jinx on the team, and it was time to break the jinx.
“We believe that at this point, it is time to break the jinx and bring back a trophy to them, and bring back the smiles and joy that they have always been looking for.”
Akpeyi, who turns 35 two weeks after the final, has not conceded in all six games he has played in the competition. He is optimistic the team can go all the way to win the trophy that has eluded them for long.
“This means huge progress for the club, as every single individual in the club is excited because, looking back at history, it has been over half a century [waiting for premier continental glory],” he continued. “Looking at the past season that has just ended, we struggled, but now we are in a position where the club is about to make history again in winning the Champions League, so I am sure everybody in the team is excited at this point and focused looking towards the final.”