Former Bafana Bafana winger Junior Khanye has criticized Nigeria international goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, claiming that he lacks the fundamental skills required for a top goalkeeper. Speaking on iDiski TV, Khanye urged his former club Kaizer Chiefs not to pursue Nwabali as a potential signing, despite the Nigerian being linked with the South African giants since 2023.
Khanye argued that Nwabali, currently the for Chippa United, struggles with handling high balls and often makes "high school mistakes" that cost his team goals. "Sometimes he’ll get a ball and then spill it; he does high school mistakes," Khanye remarked. He added that Nwabali is covered by Nigeria's strong defensive setup, which masks his goalkeeping flaws.
Nwabali has made 23 appearances for Chippa United this season but was criticized for his performance in their recent 3-0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns, marking Chippa’s third straight loss and extending their winless streak to five matches. Chippa United currently sits in eighth place on the 16-team PSL table with 30 points.
Editorial
Junior Khanye's critique of Stanley Nwabali is as blunt as it is revealing. For a former international to publicly advise Kaizer Chiefs against signing the Chippa United goalkeeper underscores the stakes and expectations in top-tier football. Mistakes in goalkeeping are magnified one dropped ball, one misjudged cross, and the team pays the price.
But while Khanye's comments are bold, they also present an opportunity for Nwabali. Criticism, if handled correctly, can be the fuel for growth. If the Nigerian international can address these concerns, he could turn weakness into strength. For now, Kaizer Chiefs may look elsewhere, but Nwabali has the chance to prove his doubters wrong by sharpening his skills and proving his reliability between the sticks.
Football careers are built not just on talent but on resilience and the ability to adapt. The question is will Nwabali rise to the challenge?
Did You Know?
Stanley Nwabali began his professional career in Nigeria's NPFL before moving to South Africa to join Chippa United.
He was once named the NPFL Goalkeeper of the Month during his time with Wikki Tourists.
Nwabali has made 23 appearances in the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) this season, more than any other Nigerian goalkeeper in the league.
Kaizer Chiefs have a long history of Nigerian players, with notable stars like Daniel Akpeyi and Onyekachi Okonkwo donning their colours.
Despite his current form, Nwabali remains highly rated for his reflexes and shot-stopping ability, which earned him a call-up to the Super Eagles training camp in 2022.
