Stanley Nwabali’s impressive return to action for Chippa United has received another major endorsement after head coach Brandon Truter described the Super Eagles goalkeeper as “one of Africa’s best” following his decisive role in the club’s Eastern Cape Pre-Season Tournament triumph.
The Nigeria international was the hero in the final at Mthatha Stadium, producing a crucial save during a penalty shootout as Chippa United defeated Motsepe Foundation Championship side Highbury 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to lift the second Annual Eastern Cape Pre-Season Tournament title.
It was another encouraging performance from Nwabali, who only recently returned to the Chilli Boys after a five-month absence from club football. Having kept a clean sheet in Saturday’s 1-0 semi final victory over Ravens, the 29-year-old followed it up with a match winning contribution in the final despite conceding once during normal time.
Since joining Chippa United in 2022 Stanley Nwabali has made 66 appearances for the Chilly boys. Photocredit: Imago
Truter admitted he felt confident once the contest went to penalties, believing Nwabali would produce the decisive moment.
“With Stanley Nwabali in goal, one of Africa’s best, I knew he’d make a save to help us win,” Truter told The Herald.
The Chippa United manager also praised his team’s overall display throughout the competition, insisting his players controlled much of the final despite conceding an equaliser.
“This was a good tournament. I’m surprised by the guys’ output and the structure over which we had complete control.
“Even the goal came from nowhere in a sense; we were focused on the substitution, they put the goal in the box, and we conceded from there.
“But other than that, the game was controlled; it was mature, the same as the early game as well.
“So it gives me a headache going into next week.
“I think everybody really performed and showed up in this tournament. It was a good tournament.
“Kanu [Vusumuzi Vilakazi] is a good coach. He assembled a good team; they gave us a run for our money, so I am confident they will perform well in the league.”
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The performances across the tournament have left Truter with welcome selection problems ahead of Chippa United’s opening Betway Premiership fixture against Golden Arrows next weekend.
The Super Eagles goalkeeper returned to Chippa United in mid July after spending five months away following the tragic loss of his mother, father and grandmother within a two month period. A move to Europe failed to materialise during the summer transfer window, prompting the goalkeeper to resume his career with the South African club.
His return has already yielded positive results. after keeping a clean sheet in the semi final and producing the decisive save in the final shootout, Nwabali has quickly re-established himself as Chippa United’s first choice goalkeeper and appears well positioned to begin the 2026-27 Betway Premiership campaign with renewed confidence.
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