Former Kaizer Chiefs Goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi Praises Abdeslam Ouaddou’s Impact at Marumo Gallants

Veteran Nigerian goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has spoken highly of new Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, reflecting on their brief time together at Marumo Gallants during a difficult 2024/25 season.

Akpeyi, who joined Gallants from the now-defunct Moroka Swallows in September 2024, endured a frustrating campaign, making just seven appearances and managing one clean sheet while conceding nine goals. However, the 38-year-old credits Ouaddou for giving him a lifeline when his playing time had been severely limited.

“Last season wasn’t great for me because I played fewer games,” Akpeyi told KickOff.com. “I faced challenges and, whether I liked it or not, I wouldn’t play unless I agreed to certain terms. In fact, the games I did play were because of the new coach—the one who just signed with Orlando Pirates.”

Akpeyi revealed that prior to Ouaddou’s arrival, he had been left out in favour of Washington Arubi. But the Moroccan coach quickly changed that upon assessing the situation at Gallants.

“When he arrived, he recognised the situation and decided he couldn’t leave me in the stands. That’s part of why he started playing me. Fortunately, I was able to play those matches and helped the team avoid relegation,” Akpeyi explained.

While Akpeyi praised Ouaddou’s coaching decisions, he also alluded to internal conflicts between the coach and the club’s management. These disagreements reportedly stemmed from Ouaddou making bold selection calls that ruffled feathers behind the scenes.

“I know there was a conflict with Abdeslam, which may have caused issues within the team,” Akpeyi said. “He made decisions that the management probably didn’t agree with, but those decisions ultimately helped the team escape relegation. I would say Abdel was more proactive compared to the other coaches before him.”

Reflecting on the final stretch of the season, Akpeyi suggested that he might have stayed at Gallants if Ouaddou had remained at the club.

“I might have stayed with the club if he had remained, but unfortunately, decisions are often made on behalf of coaches,” he added.

Now a free agent, Akpeyi remains open-minded about his next career move. Despite his vast experience at the top level, he has not ruled out playing in the Motsepe Foundation Championship (South Africa’s second division), where he believes he could help a team fight for promotion.

“I’m working on something at the moment, but I’m unable to discuss it. I’m currently in South Africa,” Akpeyi said. “I wouldn’t mind playing in the second tier. My experience could help a team achieve promotion.”

Akpeyi’s comments highlight the positive influence Ouaddou had during his short spell at Gallants—something Orlando Pirates fans will hope to see replicated at their club in the coming season.