DStv Prem: Daniel Akpeyi secures work permit to play for Swallows FC

The Nigerian shot-stopper was confirmed to have signed for the Dube Birds on a short-term contract until the end of the season soon after the club successfully had their FIFA ban overturned last month. 

Akpeyi had been without a club since leaving Amakhosi in July last year and just as he was on the verge of joining Swallows, the Soweto outfit were hit with a transfer sanction by world football’s governing body. 

SABC Sport understands that the 36-year-old, who has been training with the Dube Birds all this time, will be available for selection ahead of Sunday’s DStv Premiership visit to Chippa United at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha. 

While young Thakasani Mbanjwa has been the preferred choice between the sticks, coach Ernst Middendorp has not hidden the fact that he is eager to see Akpeyi’s documents sorted given that his experience will be a big boost for the side. 

Akpeyi was the first-choice keeper at Chiefs during Middendorp’s final year at Naturena in the 2019/20 season that was disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, subsequently destabilising Amakhosi’s league title pursuit. 

The Glamour Boys were eventually beaten to the title by Mamelodi Sundowns on the last day of the campaign, but Akpeyi had been ruled out a few days prior because of a concussion. 

Swallows are third from bottom, tied with Maritzburg United on 21 points in the relegation play-off spot – and both sides have 10 matches remaining.