Chairman of South African club side, Chippa United, Siviwe ‘Chippa’ Mpengesi, has given up on retaining the services of Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, who is now the subject of transfer speculations among top European and Asian clubs.
Mpengesi, in an interview with Idiski Times, admits the club has given up hopes of keeping their safe hands with the transfer talks gaining momentum.
He stated that the SA club is currently in talks with a few clubs abroad and will not hold Nwabali back should a good offer arrive.
“We are talking to a few clubs abroad. We also believe that he needs something better, especially after the performance that he showed at the Afcon,” the club chairman said.
“If the opportunity comes especially from abroad, of course even if it comes locally and the offer is for him, it’s not even for us. If the offer for him is better then we are not going to hold on to him.”
Mpengesi further underlined the club’s commitment to facilitating the player’s progression, whether it be through opportunities abroad or within the local Premier Soccer League.
There have been reports of interest in the Nigerian keeper from clubs in Europe following his sterling performances with Nigeria at the 2023 Africa Cup Of Nations in Ivory Coast where he led the Eagles to the silver medal.
After the Afcon tournament where he emerged as the second best keeper, there have been interest in his services from English side Queens Park Rangers and Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq, and Mpengesi affirms Chippa United’s willingness to engage with both local and international suitors vying for Nwabali’s services.
Apart from clubs from abroad, there are also interest from local clubs including Kaizer Chiefs and Sundowns and the chairman has conceded that Chippa will not stand in Nwabali’s path should the right offer comes.
Nwabali, a former Katsina United shot stopper in the Nigerian Premier League, is also being touted as a possible replacement for South African international keeper, Itumeleng Khune, whose future at Kaizer Chiefs looks uncertain.