South African goalkeeping legend Motsoeneng Tshepo has issued a blunt warning to Nigerian international Stanley Nwabali following his departure from Chippa United.
Nwabali, 29, mutually agreed to part ways with the Port Elizabeth-based club after four years, seeking new opportunities to advance his career. While he has been a key figure for the Super Eagles, no club has officially confirmed signing him since leaving Chippa United.
During his spell at Chippa United, Nwabali made a significant impact between the posts. In the 2025/26 season, he featured in 11 league matches, keeping 2 clean sheets, conceding 16 goals, and making 26 saves. Over his four-year tenure from 2022 to 2026, he amassed 76 total appearances across all competitions and recorded 25 clean sheets, establishing himself as one of the club’s most dependable goalkeepers.
Speaking to the media, Tshepo emphasized the challenges Nwabali faces:
I think Nwabali decided to leave Chippa United, and there might have been an agent who told him there was interest from another club. I know Chippa Mpengesi well because I worked with him before, and he doesn’t block a player who isn’t happy at the club anymore. I don’t think Nwabali has moved beyond the PSL. Chippa is trying to avoid being relegated, and for Nwabali, he had to show at Chippa without any clear doubt that he had grown beyond the PSL. He first has to be a really great goalkeeper in the PSL to move past it. Since the start of this season, Nwabali’s performance hasn’t been up to the standard it should be. After returning from the AFCON in Morocco, maybe he thought he would get a new opportunity from another team, but that didn’t happen. If he wants to move to one of the top three teams, where do you think he might go? Kaizer Chiefs have Brandon Petersen… At Orlando Pirates, there’s Sipho Chaine. At Mamelodi Sundowns, they have Ronwen Williams. Remember, you signed a foreign goalkeeper to be the number one, but now when you bring him to Sundowns, what happens to Ronwen? Where will he work alongside the top three?They have no space for Nwabali.”
Tshepo’s comments highlight the reality that Nwabali’s next move will not be easy, with top South African clubs already having established goalkeepers. His departure comes at a crucial moment in his career, and strong performances will be essential if he hopes to secure a contract with a top-tier team.
For now, the Nigerian goalkeeper remains a free agent, with fans and analysts eagerly awaiting news on where he will continue his career.
