Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi was seen having a conversation with Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, sparking a lot of speculation.
Nwabali was linked to Chiefs before the club signed Rwanda international Fiacre Ntwari from TS Galaxy. However, after a series of underwhelming performances, Ntwari has fallen down the pecking order. Bruce Bvuma has established himself as the club’s number-one goalkeeper.
This situation leaves Ntwari’s future at the club uncertain. Indications suggest that Amakhosi may still contemplate recruiting a top goalkeeper in the next transfer window to enhance competition in that department.
Nwabali was in goals as Chiefs beat Chippa 3-0 at the FNB Stadium on Saturday. Straight after the game, the Tunisian mentor walked up to the Nigerian international for a quick chat.
WHAT WAS KAIZER CHIEFS COACH NABI SAYING TO NWABALI?
FARPost has established what the former Young Africans coach said to the 28-year-old shot-stopper. Nasreddine Nabi reportedly offered him his condolences for the passing of Nwabali’s parents. The Super Eagles goalie tragically lost both of his parents in the space of two months.
The 59-year-old coach, who also lost his dad last year, went on to acknowledge how difficult it is to lose a parent. He encouraged the goalie to stay strong.
Last Saturday, Chippa United lost 1-0 to TS Galaxy in the Betway Premiership, courtesy of a Nwabali error. The Super Eagles shot stopper attempted a quick throw to a teammate after making an initial save but instead gifted possession to Damir Sosvic, who capitalised on the mistake.
Chippa United coach Thabo September admitted his insistence on playing Nwabali against his wishes backfired.
“Where we lost it, maybe it’s from the bench. From me, from the coaching side, because my goalkeeper did plead with me that he was not okay and he wanted to rest,” September told FARPost.
“He’s going through a lot. Him being the number one goalkeeper, I pushed him and said he must play. Sometimes, you must listen. For me as a coach, just growing into that.”
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