Chippa United from South Africa Supports Nwabali and the Super Eagles
Siviwe Mpengesi, the Chairman of South African football club Chippa United, has expressed his support for the club's goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, in anticipation of the CAF African Cup of Nations semi-final clash between Nigeria and South Africa.
In a statement shared by the club's official handle on Wednesday, Mpengesi highlighted Nwabali's performances, stating that they have garnered international acclaim. He extended his support to the Super Eagles in their encounter against Bafana Bafana, wishing the Nigerian team "all the best."
Nigeria's football team has maintained a consistent winning streak in the AFCON, securing four victories in five matches, including a 1-0 win against Ivory Coast, a 2-0 win against Cameroon, and a 1-0 win in the quarterfinal against Angola.
Nwabali, the goalkeeper representing the nation, has displayed exceptional form, conceding just one goal in five matches during the tournament.
According to the statement, Mpengesi remarked, “In my role as the Chairman of Chippa United FC and as a proud South African, the 2023 Afcon tournament has presented a unique situation where our very own Nigeria international, Stanley Nwabali, has been a standout performer. His contributions to the Nigerian national team have gained global recognition, bringing international acclaim to him and our club.
“With Stanley's escalating profile and the positive international attention it brings to Chippa United FC, the overall impact has been nothing but favorable. Therefore, both I and Chippa United FC wholeheartedly support our player, Stanley Nwabali, and the Nigerian Super Eagles in their upcoming match against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana. We extend our best wishes to the Super Eagles.”
He also commended the South African Premier Soccer League for boasting the largest contingent of local players at the tournament, which included players from South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique, Ghana, Nigeria, and the host nation, Ivory Coast.
“I want to extend my congratulations to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) for presenting the highest number of domestic players at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Nearly 30 players, hailing from South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique, Ghana, Nigeria, and even the host country, Ivory Coast, and playing in the PSL, participated in the Afcon 2023 tournament. This achievement is attributed to the efforts of PSL Chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza."
“Special recognition is extended to coach Hugo Broos for his bold decision to place trust in our domestic players. This is a departure from the approach of past Bafana Bafana national team coaches who often preferred players based abroad, even if they remained as substitutes, to represent our national team. I also commend Mamelodi Sundowns FC and their technical staff for their remarkable contribution, evident in the inclusion of eight players in the Bafana Bafana starting lineup.”
Mpengesi went on to express gratitude to Dr. Patrice Motsepe, the President of the Confederation of African Football, “for orchestrating what is arguably the finest Afcon tournament of the century. This event has showcased the continent's football prowess and united us in the spirit of the game.”
The club chairman emphasized, “This is a moment of pride and reflection on our journey and growth in African football.”
Nigeria is set to face South Africa in a highly anticipated semi-final clash at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake, Ivory Coast, scheduled for 6 pm local time.
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