Akpeyi’s contract was not renewed upon its expiry at the end of June with Chiefs choosing to sacrifice him and retain the trio of Itumeleng Khune, Bruce Bvuma, and Brandon Petersen.
Though he didn’t play any official games at Chiefs since December last year, Akpeyi played the most football of all keepers at the club since arriving from Chippa United in January 2019 with 69 appearances.
"Being without a club is new for me since 2005 so must just be mentally strong. I give glory to God that he has been granting me strength to be able to go through this period," Akpeyi tells KickOff.
"In the past, I wouldn’t be in all of the pre-season training because of national team commitments but the situation is different now since I’m not with a club.
"I just have to be mentally strong through this phase and understand that it is all part of the game.
"I believe that the right team will come," says Akpeyi who has been able to win 19 caps for The Super Eagles.
Since his departure from Chiefs, Akpeyi – who turns 36 in a week – has been linked with Sekhukhune United and AmaZulu while wild speculation has also rubbed off his name on Orlando Pirates.
"For now, I’m just preparing myself by going through my own pre-season while waiting for the right time to sign.
"In preparing myself I’m keeping fit by training with one of the top goalkeeper trainers.
"It is a matter of accepting the right offer from what I have available from both South Africa and outside," he says.
As previously reported by this website, Akpeyi now plays as a non-foreigner after acquiring his permanent residence.
