Nwabali rejects Khune replacement role!

Chippa United fans can breathe a sigh of relief as star goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has expressed a desire to potentially extend his stay with the club. Nwabali, Nigeria’s top goalkeeper, has been heavily linked with a transfer to South African giants Kaizer Chiefs as they seek a long-term successor for the legendary Itumeleng Khune.

Nwabali Shines for Nigeria

Nwabali’s impressive performances for the Super Eagles at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations put him firmly in the spotlight. His heroics helped propel Nigeria to the final, and rumours of a move to a larger PSL club, or even abroad, quickly gathered momentum.

Chippa United Chairman a Key Factor

However, Nwabali’s comments reveal a strong bond with Chippa United chairman Siviwe Mpengesi, a factor that could heavily influence his decision.

Mpengesi’s support for Nwabali and the Super Eagles during the Afcon semi-finals against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana made a lasting impression on the in-demand goalkeeper.

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“You see, when you play under an understanding chairman, everything comes – confidence comes… Imagine you’re playing under a chairman who wants all his players to be comfortable; you must work for this man, even when you’re in or out [of the team],” Nwabali was quoted as saying by SABC Sport.

Decision Time Approaches

Nwabali’s preference seems to be an extended stay, but he remains realistic: “If it’s the end of my time with the club at the end of this season, so be it,” he added.

Chippa United and Nwabali next face FC Ravens in the Nedbank Cup Round of 16 (dates and venues to be confirmed). While the allure of a big club like Kaizer Chiefs might be strong, Nwabali’s positive experiences with Chippa United could prove decisive.

The goalkeeper’s impressive Afcon showing has yet to result in any firm offers, leaving the final outcome of this transfer saga uncertain.

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