Former Bafana Bafana winger Junior Khanye has delivered a scathing assessment of Nigeria international goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, advising his former club Kaizer Chiefs against signing the Chippa United star.
Nwabali has been consistently linked with a move to the Soweto giants since 2023 as a potential successor to veteran goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune. However, the transfer has yet to materialize, with Chiefs opting to sign Fiacre Ntwari prior to the current season.
Speaking on iDiski TV, Khanye did not mince his words, stating that he believes Nwabali lacks fundamental goalkeeping skills and would not be a suitable acquisition for Kaizer Chiefs.
“I think the fact that he is a Nigerian international as first-choice goalkeeper can be blinding because Nigeria have a superior team that covers him sometimes,” Khanye, who earned one cap for South Africa, said.
“But this guy, when I watch and observe him, he gives away a lot of goals, especially high balls. I mean, sometimes he’ll get a ball and then spill it; he does high school mistakes.”
Khanye urged Kaizer Chiefs to look elsewhere for a goalkeeper, even suggesting potential alternatives within the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
“They need to go and look for a proper keeper. I am not sure if the PSL has a top keeper available…I love (Ricardo) Gross, maybe he can go to Chiefs.”
The former winger was resolute in his opinion of Nwabali, claiming that basic aspects of his game were lacking.
“I have been watching Nwabali and I don’t think he is a good fit for Chiefs. I think someone is selling this guy, he can’t handle the ball, instead, he fits the ball away. He lacks the basics.”
Nwabali has been a regular for Chippa United this season, making 23 appearances in the PSL.
He was in goal during their recent 3-0 defeat to league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday, a result that marked Chippa’s third consecutive loss and extended their winless streak to five matches. Chippa United currently sit in eighth position on the PSL table with 30 points from 28 games.
