A dramatic announcement met with calm clarity
The South African football community woke up to unexpected news when Stanley Nwabali was confirmed as a free agent after parting ways with Chippa United. For a goalkeeper who had just returned from helping Nigeria secure a bronze medal at AFCON in Morocco, the timing raised eyebrows.
Speculation spread quickly, especially with rising competition for the number one jersey at the club. But Nwabali moved swiftly to clear the air. Speaking on Metro FM’s Sports Night Amplified, the 29 year old said his departure was built on understanding, not conflict.
“It works for both parties. No hard feelings,” he said, describing the decision as a natural step forward after four years in Gqeberha.
A farewell message that showed the depth of his bond
Hours after the announcement, Nwabali took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message that revealed just how much the journey had meant to him. It was emotional, personal and filled with gratitude.
“It was more than a family. To my lovely teammates, dear coaches, amazing fans and best chairman in the world… I want to say thank you,” he wrote.
This message confirmed what many around the club already knew: Nwabali wasn’t just another player passing through. He had become a cornerstone of the Chippa United dressing room and a steadying influence during turbulent seasons.
From Katsina United to one of the PSL’s most respected keepers
Nwabali arrived at Chippa United in 2022 from Katsina United, still relatively unknown to South African fans. Yet he quickly established himself as one of the league’s most reliable goalkeepers.
Across all competitions, he made 76 appearances and kept 25 clean sheets. Far beyond the numbers, his leadership, confidence and calm presence became central to the Chilli Boys’ identity.
The Nigerian goalkeeper often carried the team through difficult periods, especially when they were battling to stay clear of relegation zones in the Betway Premiership standings.
Injury, AFCON and a crucial conversation
With the club now in a challenging league position, many assumed Nwabali’s exit was the result of losing his spot to the in-form Dumisani Msibi. But Nwabali dismissed that narrative completely.
He explained that he suffered an injury in a clash with Orlando Pirates before heading to AFCON. He pushed to recover in time for Nigeria’s campaign, and by the time he returned to Chippa, he was carrying both physical and mental fatigue.
According to Nwabali, chairman Siviwe Mpengesi understood the situation deeply. The two shared honest conversations about his return to league action and the toll of a month-long AFCON run.
“You’re coming back from a bigger tournament. You need to rest one or two games,” Mpengesi told him.
This exchange opened the door to a bigger discussion about his future and ultimately led to the decision to part ways.
A father and son relationship behind the scenes
Nwabali has always described his relationship with Mpengesi as unusually close in the world of football. He said the two communicated regularly, shared mutual respect and navigated tough decisions together.
“He has been like a father to me,” Nwabali wrote in his farewell post. “Thank you for the honour of letting me be part of this story.”
That line says everything. This exit wasn’t about anger, ambition or accusations. It was a guided step, shaped by care and timing.
A goodbye rooted in gratitude
Nwabali’s Instagram message read like a man closing a chapter with love rather than frustration.
“The memories we’ve shared, the victories and the setbacks we turned into lessons, the laughs and the tears… I will carry them forever.”
He ended his message with a line that will sit warmly with Chippa supporters:
“A part of me will always remain with the Chilli Boys.”
What this means for his future
As a free agent, Nwabali becomes one of the most sought-after goalkeepers on the African continent. His AFCON heroics elevated his international profile, and his proven consistency in the PSL makes him a prime target for clubs across Africa, the Middle East and possibly Europe.
For Chippa United, the focus now shifts to building on Msibi’s momentum while navigating a tight league table.
For Nwabali, this is simply the beginning of his next chapter.
A new journey, but one built on the foundation of four special years in Gqeberha.
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Source: Various
Featured Image Source: Metro FM on X
