Chippa Mpengesi takes swipe at Bafana’s previous coaches, expresses support for Nigeria
Chippa United boss Chippa Mpengesi has taken a swipe at previous Bafana Bafana coaches, while simultaneously throwing his weight behind Nigeria as they take on SA in the 2023 AFCON semi-final this evening.
Bafana will tackle Nigeria at the Stade Bouaké Stadium in Ivory Coast. The game is set to kick off at 19:00 [SA time].
The Chilli Boys chairman has come forward to make a bold statement over former Bafana mentors, claiming that they preferred to select players who played abroad as bench warmers instead of selecting local players who play week in and week out.
However, Mpengesi also praised Bafana coach Hugo Broos for trusting local players going into this prestigious tournament.
The chairman did not stop there, as he further divulged that he will be supporting Nigeria over Bafana tonight.
Mpengesi insists that he will rally behind Nigeria because of his club’s shot-stopper Stanley Nwabali.
The Chippa goalkeeper, Nwabali is having a good time of his career, as the goalie has managed to keep four clean sheets in five games for the Super Eagles at the ongoing AFCON tournament.
CHIPPA UNITED OFFICIAL STATEMENT
“I would like to start by extending my congratulations to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) for showcasing the highest number of domestic players at the 2023 AFCON tournament.
“Close to 30 players from South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique, Ghana, Nigeria, and even the host country, lvory Coast who play in the PSL league were part of the AFCON 2023 tournament all thanks to PSL League Chairman Dr Irvin Khoza.
“Acknowledgment is also given to Coach Hugo Broos, who boldly trusted our domestic players, unlike previous Bafana Bafana national team coaches who preferred to select players who played abroad as bench warmers instead, of representing our National Team. My commendation also goes out to Mamelodi Sundowns FC and their technical staff for their outstanding contribution, highlighted by including 8 players in the Bafana Bafana starting lineup.
“Furthermore, my heartfelt applause is due to the CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe for orchestrating what is arguably the finest AFCON tournament of the century, showcasing the continent’s football prowess and uniting us in the spirit of the game. it’s a moment of pride and reflection on our African Football journey and in Khoza.
“As the Chairman of Chippa United FC and as a proud South African, I find myself in a unique position during this 2023 AFCON tournament in that our very own Nigeria international Stanley Nwabali has been a revelation; his performance for the Nigerian National Team has caught the eyes of the globe, earning him and our club international acclaim.
CHIPPA UNITED CHAIRMAN RALLY BEHIND NIGERIA AND STANLEY NWABALI
“With Stanley’s rising profile and the international attention it brings to Chippa United FC, the benefits have been nothing but positive. Therefore, I and Chippa United FC stand behind our player Stanley Nwabali and the Nigerian Super Eagles tomorrow against South Africa Bafana Bafana. We wish the Super Eagles all the best.”
RELATED STORY: Chippa United goalie opens up about AFCON and injury