A former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper has pinpointed what Stanley Nwabali would bring to the Buccaneers’ table that Sipho Chaine currently lacks should the Nigerian man complete a transfer to the club.
The Sea Robbers are reportedly one of the clubs that are after the signature of the Chippa United and Nigerian goalkeeper, Nwabali.
The Super Eagles goal-minder caught interest of many this season, particularly with his stellar performances at AFCON and has several clubs including Queens Park Rangers and Al-Ettifaq vying for his signature.
Pirates recently parted ways with Ghana’s national team goalkeeper Richard Ofori and one of their long-serving members Siyabonga Mpontshane following the end of their contracts.
This leaves them with Sipho Chaine and Melusi Buthelezi for next season, although Sphamandla Gumede will return from his loan spell at Orbit College to bolster their goalkeeping department.
Former Pirates goalkeeper Thabang Stemmer who turned out for Pirates between 2000 and 2005 believes Nwabali would be the ideal candidate to add to the department.
He feels the arrival of the Super Eagles goalkeeper would make the competition stiffer.
THABANG STEMMER BELIEVES STANLEY NWABALI’S ARRIVAL AT PIRATES WOULD INTENSIFY COMPETITION
“The reason Pirates released the two, I think it's because they want to beef up with Stanley Nwabali,” said Stemmer to KickOff.
“Even when I was still playing, Pirates always beefed up with top goalkeepers. All the big teams need top goalkeepers.
“Remember, Pirates go deeper in all competitions. If Nwabali comes, it would be a good thing for Pirates. We need competition.
“At one stage, we had John Tale, we had Williams Okpara, Michel Babale and me.
“There was also a time when Pirates had Okpara, Grant Johnson… so it's always been like that at Pirates.”
Stemmer emphasised the importance of international experience as Pirates will be competing in the CAF Champions League next season.
He cites Mamelodi Sundowns' success with Ronwen Williams, a South African international, and suggests Nwabali's experience with the Nigerian national team would provide similar benefits for Orlando Pirates.
He argued that Chaine hasn't gained the same level of experience.
WHAT NWABALI WOULD BRING THAT CHAINE DOESN’T HAVE
“If you want to win trophies, you need the best players. Look at Mamelodi Sundowns, how many goalkeepers do they have? Pirates is closing the gap on Sundowns, I'm so proud to be their supporter.
“Nwabali is going to bring international experience. He is a Nigerian national team goalkeeper. Sipho Chaine is good, but unfortunately he is not part of the national team.
“You need that international experience, especially when you are going to the Champions League. You need the best players to be the best, especially in that goalkeeping department,” he added.
