Kaizer Chiefs eye Nigerian goalkeeper as replacement for retiring South African legend 

By Wale Mustapha

There are strong indication that Nigeria and Chippa United goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali will be heading to Premier Soccer League, PSL giants, Kaizer Chiefs next season.

The talented goalkeeper has being in sparkling form this season winning valuable points for Chippa United with his heroic saves.

The Amakhosi have been facing serious issues in their goalkeeping department as veteran shot stopper, Itumeleng Khune has not been impressive as the technical crew don’t have much confidence in his back up keepers.

A strong source close to Chiefs have disclosed that the club have inquired about Nwabili.

The sources have added that a reliable keeper is needed in case Khune retires next season as he is potentially into his last year of his playing contract already.

“Stanley (Nwabili) is not the only goalkeeper they are looking at. There are other goalkeepers they are monitoring as well but after his performances this season, the scouts have recommended that they should look at him and he is on their radar right now.

“They are preparing for life after Itu (Khune) and they feel Stanley (Nwabili) can cover that position,” the source said.

However, the source indicated that Chippa United will only let Nwabali leave for Chiefs if they can find a better replacement for him.

“The only big issue would be Chippa United wanting to find his replacement before they can let him go,” source disclosed.

“This season he has been the main difference in many games which the team has either won or drawn because of his good performances in most of those games.

“But yeah, the interest is there from Chiefs and you know every player would want to play for a big team like Chiefs. And after all, he wants recognition from the Nigerian national team selectors and playing for Chiefs would give him that platform but at the end of the day it will depend on the two teams.”

Nwabali has played for notable clubs in the Nigerian top flight before moving to South Africa last year. He listed Go Round FC, Wikki Tourists, Enyimba, Lobi Stars as his former clubs in the NPFL.

He’s had two caps for Nigeria national team both came in a friendly match against Mexico and Costa Rica.