Nwabali speaks after Chiefs snub: I won’t lose my value

Nigeria international goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was heavily linked to Kaizer Chiefs after his starring role for Chippa United and the Super Eagles.

He kept 11 clean sheets for the Chilli Boys across all competitions and played a crucial role as his National Team reached the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final where they fell against hosts Ivory Coast by a solitary goal.

The Glamour Boys were not stable in the goalkeeping department where Brandon Petersen and Bruce Bvuma were not delivering as anticipated. 

Veteran custodian Itumeleng Khune had also fallen out of favour with the technical team and partly the management after a disciplinary breach. However, Chiefs shocked many by signing Fiacre Ntwari as opposed to Nwabali.

Nwabali moves on after Chiefs snub

“I wouldn’t say I was really affected by what happened after last season and after the Afcon because it’s football,” the 27-year-old told iDiski Times. 

“Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t work but as a footballer one thing is for sure is that deals come and deals also crash. But one thing I know is that even with all this happening you don’t have to lose your value as a soccer player.

“With everything that happened, I even felt like I was going to leave the club but I’m still with the club so it doesn’t change anything.”

Nwabali and Chippa United hope to finish in the top eight positions once the ongoing season concludes. The Chilli Boys are currently fourth on the table with seven points, two less than leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.