Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has made it clear that Kaizer Chiefs is his dream destination in South Africa.
Nwabali, one of the stars of Nigeria's run to the final of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), was coveted by quite a few clubs, both in South Africa (Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates) and abroad (lower-tier English club Queens Park Rangers were reportedly interested).
Amakhosi were in search of a replacement for the departing Itumeleng Khune and identified Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali as an ideal candidate.
However, their pursuit was ultimately hindered by Chippa United’s significant valuation of R30 million (€1.47 million) for the talented shot-stopper, prompting Kaizer Chiefs to withdraw from negotiations and instead sign Rwanda international Fiacre Ntwari.
Nwabali eyes Kaizer Chiefs as his ideal destination amid transfer buzz
In the end, Nwabali chose to stay with Chippa, renewing ties with a three-year extension, and being rewarded with the Chilli Boys’ captaincy for this season.
The 28-year-old acknowledged the club's current success under Ntwari while expressing his eagerness to don the Chiefs' colours.
Speaking to Metro FM, Nwabali opened up on his love for Kaizer Chiefs, saying he would want to play for the Soweto giants.
“To be honest, Kaizer Chiefs is really one of the clubs I really want to play for. This is the club I want to play for in South Africa, with all my heart. I won’t say I have been supporting them, but this is the club I felt I want to play for,” he said.
“To be quite honest, the Rwanda guy is really doing well with the club; I wouldn’t take that away from him.
“A lot of clubs have come for me, but probably they are not willing to pay my worth and are looking at me as ‘It’s just his first hit at AFCON; let’s keep on watching him.’ A lot of clubs always do that.”
