AFCON 2023: South Africans bash Chippa United over support for Stanley Nwabali

South Africa fans have shown their displeasure as Chippa United chairman Siviwe Mpengasi declared his support for club star Stanley Nwabali.

Nigeria are one win away from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final as they prepare to face South Africa in the semifinal on Wednesday, 7 February, 2024.

Ahead of the clash, the club chairman in a lengthy statement posted on the club’s official account on X congratulated the Premier Soccer League for having the most players at AFCON and applauded Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos for selecting homegrown talent.

He then went further to proclaim that he and Chippa United stand behind Nwabali, who is the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, and the Super Eagles against South Africa due to the player’s rising profile.

The Super Eagles have seen off fierce competition in the shape of Angola and Cameroon, thanks to their impressive goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali who has the highest rate of saves so far.

Nwabali plays for Chippa United and has impressed at the tournament for Nigeria and he is now worth €250k per Transfermarkt. Mpengesi’s comment, however sparked outrage from South African fans who believe patriotism should top club PR.

Although the post has now been deleted following the negative comments from fans.

“I can’t wait for this shit club to be relegated,” Chrisexcel commented.

“This is everything wrong with natives… No patriotic bone in their bodies,” Bee_moshani says.

“Mpengesi’s IQ is not very high. So I’m not bothered by this madness,” Ndabelit wrote.

“This is not just pathetic but embarrassing. Who forced you to release this!” Miss Palulu added.