Kaizer Chiefs admit defeat in top transfer target race, open net for Orlando Pirates?

Kaizer Chiefs are believed to have thrown in the towel in the pursuit of one of their top transfer targets. 

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Chiefs were believed to be competing with rivals Orlando Pirates to sign Nigerian international goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali from Chippa United. 

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Nwabali, who currently plies his trade forthe Eastern Cape-based side, was a surprise inclusion as first choice for Nigeria at Afcon. This was due to the fact that he had only one cap for the Super Eagles prior to the showpiece. He would end up playing all seven games for Nigeria in Ivory Coast, keeping four clean sheets. He also played a huge role in the team finishing as runners-up at the tournament. That also saw his name and reputation skyrocket, with more European clubs reportedly on his radar, making things difficult for Chiefs.

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Beyond European interest, Chiefs arch-rivals Pirates were also believed to have entered the race. In fact, this publication had reported they were willing to swap Ghana’s number one Richard Ofori for Nwabali. That deal is also thought to involve a cash exchange. Whatever the Buccaneers end up doing in their pursuit, doesn’t seem like Amakhosi will be willing to match. According to The Citizen, they have now pulled out of the race for the keeper. 

Chiefs pull out of Nwabali deal, advantage Pirates?

“Chiefs are sorted in the goalkeeping department so there are no talks over a new goalkeeper. I think the management will start talking about goalkeepers at the end of the season when (Itumeleng) Khune’s contract ends. But right now, Chiefs are not chasing Nwabali,” said a source close to the Glamour Boys. 

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Whether Chiefs pulling out of the deal leaves Pirates with an open net to Nwabali, remains to be seen. With the amount attraction he garnered at Afcon for his exploits in a Super Eagles jersey, it is still more likely he goes abroad. In local football, he has kept seven clean sheets in 15 games.