Stanley Nwabali: Itumeleng Khune to Be Sacrificed to Bring Nigerian Goalkeeper to Kaizer Chiefs?

Stanley Nwabali: Itumeleng Khune to Be Sacrificed to Bring Nigerian Goalkeeper to Kaizer Chiefs?

Jarryd Westerdale
updated at January 29, 2024 at 12:03 PM
In this article:
Itumeleng Khune logo
I. Khune
Kaizer Chiefs logoGSouth Africa logo
Stanley Nwabali logo
S. Nwabali
-GNigeria logo
Kaizer Chiefs logo
Kaizer Chiefs
South Africa
24
Nigeria logo
Nigeria
Nigeria
21
  • Stanley Nwabali has been one of Nigeria's most influential players at the 2023 AFCON
  • The goalkeeper is said to be wanted by Kaizer Chiefs, who have several existing options
  • Chiefs would need to trim their stock if they were to bring in the Chippa United keeper

Kaizer Chiefs have proven to be at their best when they have a trusted name in goal.

Itumeleng Khune's golden years brought with them many trophies and Brian Baloyi's commanding presence was an Amakhosi hallmark before being replaced by Rowen Fernandez.

In the early nineties, William Shongwe helped secure two National Soccer League titles and is still loved across the fan base and South Africa as a whole.

Stanley Nwabali, Nigeria, AFCON 2023, Itumeleng Khune, Kaizer Chiefs.
Stanley Nwabali is reportedly being targeted by Kaizer Chiefs as they have a big Itumeleng Khune decision to make. Photo: @NwabaliBobo and @UnitedRadar.
Source: Twitter

Bruce Bvuma and Brandon Petersen are Khune's understudies, with Bvuma being Cavin Johnson's choice while the celebrity shot-stopper focuses on his personal growth.

Bontle Molefe is the fourth-choice keeper but the sense around Naturena is that a big name is needed to reestablish the position's prominence.

Nigeria's AFCON star, Stanley Nwabali is reportedly top of the list with two of the current players needing to depart in order to make way.

This is the word from within Naturena but the goalkeeper shuffle will only be made at the end season as reported by SoccerLaduma. Due to his contract expiring at the end of the season, Khune is expected to be the first out the door.

The veteran showed he was still the people's choice at the Carling Knockout All-Star match but he has already positioned himself to catch a post-playing career in front of the camera.

Molefe signed a new contract in February last year but is said to be the other player on the move. The 21-year-old is searching for game time, having failed to break into the first team, as per TransferMarkt.

Stanley Nwabali on injury status

Sports Brief has also reported on Stanley Nwabali's injury status after Nigeria's knockout tie with Cameroon.

The Nigerian was substituted with 10 minutes to go after colliding with Cameroon's Georges-Kevin N'Koudou.

Jose Peseiro was still awaiting the medical report but was hopeful Nwabali would feature in the quarter-finals.

Authors
Jarryd Westerdale photo
Jarryd Westerdale
Jarryd Westerdale (based in Johannesburg) joined Sports Brief after four years in the community journalism sphere. He is a two-time Alet Roux Award winner and was a finalist in multiple categories at the Forum of Community Journalism Excellence Awards.