Daniel Akpeyi says there is a great sense of unity among the Kaizer Chiefs goalkeepers and insists they won't let people divide them.

The Nigerian gloveman has had to battle to retain his place in Ernst Middendorp's Amakhosi side as a section of Chiefs supporters put pressure on the head coach to select Itumeleng Khune instead.

Middendorp stuck with Akpeyi for the Soweto derby last weekend and it paid off as they secured a 1-0 win over Orlando Pirates, to the delight of the entire goalkeeping department.

"In our goalkeeping department, we are all very close. It's just unfortunate that people want to put me up against Khune. We are pushing each other and we are brothers," Akpeyi told SowetanLive.

"We just told ourselves that we are family and should stand together at all times. We will not allow anything to divide us. That is why at the end we all celebrated together.

"I assure you that if Itu, Bruce Bvuma or even Bontle Molefe was called upon, they would have put up a brilliant performance."

He added: "It was a great feeling to get the backing from the coach. My job was just to help my team after two consecutive losses going into the derby."

- TEAMtalk media