Former Chippa United technical director Morgan Mammila has hinted at a transfer fee of R10 million for Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali amidst revelations of a Kaizer Chiefs snub.
The Super Eagles’ number one stock rose during the 2023 AFCON as he helped his country reach the final of the tournament hosted in Ivory Coast.
He kept four clean sheets in seven matches during the tournament, and his penalty heroics in the semifinal saw the Super Eagles edge Bafana Bafana. Nwabali saved two penalties to send the Super Eagles to the final, where they lost to host Ivory Coast.
Returning to the Dstv Premiership, the 27-year-old shot-stopper kept 11 clean sheets in 26 outings, thrusting himself among the top five goalkeepers on the continent.
He has been the subject of interest for countless teams locally and abroad. Sources close to the player have disclosed that Nwabali was offered to Kaizer Chiefs, but the club declined the opportunity to sign the highly-rated goalkeeper.
This revelation adds another layer of intrigue to the ongoing transfer saga surrounding the Chippa United star.
“The reasoning from Chiefs was that there’s a certain profile of a goalkeeper they’re looking for. He’s a good goalkeeper, but certainly not what they’re looking for,” the source told FARPost.
“Again, the focus is seemingly on getting the new coach in; hence, they turned down the opportunity to sign him.”
WHERE DOES THE R10 MILLION VALUATION FOR STANLEY NWABALI COME FROM?
Mammila, who recently parted ways with Chippa United, highlighted the significant impact he had on the emergence of players like Stanley Nwabali.
In an interview on Metro FM’s Sports Night Amplified, Mammila emphasised his role in transforming Nwabali from an unknown talent into a sought-after goalkeeper, with offers pouring in across South Africa, the continent, and beyond.
“Now, when you ask me, you were hired at Chippa, what have you done for the club? I’d need to be honest.
“I’ve changed some players who were not known to be national team assets. Stanley Nwabali was not known. I changed him,” he said.
“Zuko Mdunyelwa – best player – he’s at [Mamelodi] Sundowns. Thabiso [Lebitso] best player, he’s at [Orlando] Pirates. [Goodman] Mosele top notch – I sent him back to Bafana Bafana because of how I was playing. I’ll say this is what I’ve done for Chippa.
“I’ve made a difference at Chippa. I was not being paid for nothing, I was working. I just hope they can sell Stanley [Nwabali] for R10 million.“
His assertion that Nwabali’s transfer fee should be at least R10 million underscores the immense value he sees in the player.
“There are offers from Stanley from South Africa and the continent and all over,” he confirmed.
RELATED STORY: Stanley Nwabali drops major hint about his future
