For the better part of the year, Nigeria international goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali had been linked with a move to Kaizer Chiefs, from Chippa United.
The 27-year-old was solid for the Chilli Boys which eventually won him a place in the Super Eagles team that was looking for a reliable shot-stopper to deliver in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. The bulky custodian helped the then Jose Peseiro-led team reach the final where they narrowly lost to hosts Ivory Coast.
Goalkeepers’ trainer at Chippa United Sean Louw even confirmed they will be looking for a replacement since it is certain Nwabali is on his way out.
However, Amakhosi opted to leave Nwabali for Rwanda international Fiacre Ntwari who had a relatively good season with TS Galaxy. He kept nine clean sheets in the 24 matches he played across all competitions.
Nasreddine Nabi has made his choice, but former South Africa goalkeeper Alex Heredia has questioned it.
“It’s not easy to play on a big, big stage like Kaizer Chiefs, where even during the training sessions you’re under pressure,” he told SNL24.
“They must not judge [Ntwari] in his first game, they must give him four, five matches to see how he reacts. At the moment, he is a good goalkeeper, adding quality to the side. For a goalkeeper to perform, he needs a good team. It’s the same with the team. But the Nigerian Nwabali, looks more solid compared to the Rwandan because we’ve seen most of his games,” Heredia continued.
“I watched him both here in the PSL and at the 2023 Afcon, and he’s done quite well. In my opinion, the Nigerian would have been a more positive option for Chiefs.”
Ntwari will now battle with Bruce Bvuma and Brandon Petersen for the starting slot at the Glamour Boys.
