The highly rated goalkeeper has signed an improved contact with the Chilli Boys
Orlando Pirates’ pursuit of Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has received a significant blow after the Nigerian agreed an improved new contract and was also made captain at the club.
The highly rated goalkeeper has been the subject of interest with Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs rumoured to be keen on him, although the Glamour Boys got out of the race with the signing of Rwandan Fiacre Ntwari from TS Galaxy.
Chippa United now look to have fended off those overtures by convincing the goalkeeper to commit his future to the Eastern Cape side, while also promoting him to team captain, and they can now look forward to the new season without the distraction of transfer interest.
What else has Chippa United given the goalkeeper?
“We are pleased to announce that Stanley Nwabali has signed an improved three-year contract with Chippa United FC,” the club announced through their social media handles.
“We are incredibly proud of Stanley’s dedication and commitment to the club. His leadership on and off the field has been exemplary, and we believe he is the right person to guide our team through the challenges ahead. With this been said, Stanley will be our new team captain for the upcoming season.
“We wish Stanley continued success in his career, both in domestic competitions and on the international stage. We look forward to achieving great things together in the seasons to come.”
Nwabali rose to prominence early this year when he starred for Nigeria at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast when the Super Eagles reached the final before losing to the hosts.
Stanley Nwabali was one of AFCON 2023 stars
His reflexes, ability to play out from the back, added to his vocal nature, were a joy to watch and he endeared himself to fans also due to the fact that he was among players at the tournament featuring in African leagues.
He, however, divided opinion when South Africa faced Nigeria in the semi-final, Bafana Bafana losing on post-match penalties, a match in which Chippa United supported the West African nation, in solidarity with Nwabali, as opposed to rooting for Hugo Broos’ men.
Nwabali has been at Chippa United since 2022 and made 26 PSL appearances last season.
