Former South African international Junior Khanye has launched a scathing assessment of Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, insisting the Chippa United shot-stopper is “overhyped” and not good enough for Kaizer Chiefs.
Khanye, who turned out for the Glamour Boys in the early 2000s, was responding to ongoing speculation linking the Nigerian international with a move to the Soweto giants.
Nwabali has been widely praised for his consistent performances for both Chippa United and the Nigerian national team, especially during recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
But Khanye is not convinced. Speaking to iDiski Times, he criticised the 27-year-old’s technique and decision-making, claiming that his reputation is inflated by the quality of players around him in the Nigeria squad.
Stanley Nwabali. Photo Credit: IconSports
“I think the fact that he (Nwabali) is a Nigerian international as first-choice goalkeeper can be blinding because Nigeria have a superior team that covers him sometimes,” Khanye 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 makes high school mistakes.”
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Khanye went further, suggesting that Nwabali lacks the fundamentals needed at a club of Chiefs’ stature, urging the club to look elsewhere in their search for a reliable number one.
“They need to go and look for a proper keeper,” he added. “I am not sure if the PSL has a top keeper available…I love Ricardo Gross, maybe he can go to Chiefs.
“I’ve 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 fists the ball away. He lacks the basics.”
Nwabali, formerly of Kastina United in Nigeria, has been linked with a move away from Chippa for over two years, with reported interest from both domestic and overseas clubs. However, no formal bid has materialised.
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Kaizer Chiefs, who are undergoing a transitional period with a new management structure, have been actively scouting for reinforcements in key positions, including the goalkeeping department.
Stanley Nwabali has featured in 23 South African Premier Division matches, recording 9 clean sheets and conceding 20 goals — a respectable return for a goalkeeper representing a midtable side with limited financial muscle compared to the league’s heavyweights.
