Former South African international, Junior Khanye has openly criticized Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, claiming the Nigerian is overhyped and not suitable for a move to Kaizer Chiefs.
Nwabali, who is Chippa United’s first choice, has consistently been linked with a transfer to one of the Premier Soccer League’s top sides, including the Chiefs.
Despite his impressive showings for Nigeria at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where he helped the Super Eagles reach the final, a move has yet to materialise.
The 28-year-old’s rise has been one of the standout stories in African football, but Khanye remains unconvinced.
“I think the fact that he (Nwabali) is Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper can be blinding because Nigeria have a superior team that covers him sometimes,” Khanye told iDiski Times.
“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.”
Khanye, who represented Kaizer Chiefs during the 2000s, believes the club should look elsewhere for a goalkeeper.
“I have been watching Nwabali, and I don’t think he is a good fit for the Chiefs. I think someone is selling this guy, he can’t handle the ball, instead, he fists the ball away. He lacks the basics.”
Despite the criticism, Nwabali has posted respectable numbers this season, keeping nine clean sheets and conceding 25 goals in 26 appearances across all competitions.
While his future remains uncertain, interest in the former Enyimba man is expected to continue during the upcoming transfer window, especially given his international pedigree and growing reputation.
