South African giants Kaizer Chiefs have reportedly pulled out from the race to sign Super eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. The 27-year-old has been linked with several clubs after his heroics at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024) in Ivory Coast.
The Chippa United shot-stopper not only displaced Francis Uzoho to become Nigeria's number one, but also ensured that he would leave the tournament as one of the most crucial players in the Super Eagles setup.
Amakhosi were reportedly leading the race to sign Nwabali as a replacement for Itumeleng Khune, who is set to depart at the end of the season with his contract ending in June.
Why did Kaizer Chiefs pull out of the Nwabali deal?
According to a source close to Kaizer Chiefs, the club's pursuit of a new goalkeeper has taken an interesting turn. With Khune's impending departure at the end of the season, Chiefs had set their sights on Stanley Nwabali from Chippa United.
However, recent developments suggest that Nwabali may have his sights set on a move to Europe rather than staying within South Africa.
This has prompted Amakhosi to explore alternative options, with Salim Magoola of Richards Bay emerging as a potential candidate.
“The club wanted to sign Stanley [Nwabali] but it seems if he leaves Chippa they would want him to go to Europe and not locally. So the chances of Chiefs getting him are very narrow hence they have inquired about Richards Bay goalkeeper Salim [Magoola],”the source disclosed.
“It’s not the first time they have inquired about him as they have been monitoring him as one of the potential options to replace Itumeleng [Khune] as an experienced goalkeeper. To tell you the truth that looks more likely to happen at the end of the season compared to the Nwabali move.”
“The move will also have conditions depending on where Richards Bay will be playing next season. There could be a player swap involved in the deal if they are still in the DStv Premiership next season. So for now as much as Chiefs have inquired about Salim there could be other players involved as well and that’s just to show you how serious they are about the goalkeeper.”
Magoola has made 19 appearances for Richards Bay this campaign, and has kept has four clean sheets.
Stanley Nwabali's transfer value continues to soar
Nwabali's value has surged after his exceptional performances for Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. Consequently, Chippa United have purportedly set a substantial R30 million valuation on the goalkeeper.
The escalation in Nwabali's market value might have prompted Amakhosi to reassess their pursuit.
Where is Stanley Nwabali headed?
As Nwabali contemplates his future, particularly considering his club's valuation of him, the crucial factor that could shape the Super Eagles netminder's next club has been revealed.
Last month, Nwabali's agent Mohammed Lawal shed light on this key determinant, underlining the significance of regular playing time to uphold his standing within the Super Eagles. Lawal, addressing the media, underscored Nwabali's pivotal role in the national team, as evidenced during the recent AFCON tournament.
“Stanley Nwabali has to be playing regularly for his new club so as not to affect his place in the Super Eagles,” Lawal stated.
“He showed at the AFCON he has a place in the national team and he wishes to stay there for as long as possible.”
As discussions continue and offers are weighed, the talented goalkeeper faces a pivotal decision that could shape the next phase of his career.
Amidst the clamour of transfer rumours, one question remains unanswered: where will Nwabali ultimately find himself?
Will it be the English club Queens Park Rangers (QPR), the Saudi Arabian clubs Al Hilal and Al-Ettifaq, or South Africa's Orlando Pirates?
Only time will reveal the destination of this sought-after netminder.
