Chippa United chairman Chippa Mpengesi has accused former Bafana Bafana coaches of selecting 'bench warmers' and reveals that he will be supporting Nigeria in the upcoming AFCON semi-final.
In a statement revealed by the club on Wednesday morning, Mpengesi heaped praise on Hugo Broos for selecting a 23-man squad composed of mostly locally based players, as opposed to what he claims previous coaches who selected abroad based played who hard saw game-time at their clubs.
READ | 'I was scared of Cape Verde more than Nigeria'
"Acknowledgment is also given to Coach Hugo Broos, who boldly trusted our domestic players, unlike previous Bafana Bafana national team coaches who preferred to select players who played abroad as bench warmers instead, to represent our National Team," the statement read.
Mpengesi also revealed that he and his club would be 'fully' behind Nigeria in the upcoming semi-final against South Africa to be played on Wednesday evening.
"With Stanley's rising profile and the international attention it brings to Chippa United FC. the benefits have been nothing but positive. Therefore, I and Chippa United FC stand behind our player Stanley Nwabali and the Nigerian Super Eagles tomorrow against South Africa Bafana Bafana. We wish the Super Eagles all the best," Mpengesi added.
???? x ???? x ???#AFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/3ZtMZbWFZJ
— Chippa United FC (@ChippaUnitedFC) February 7, 2024
Full club statement:
I would like to start by extending my congratulations to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) for showcasing the highest number of domestic players at the 2023 AFCON tournament. Close to 30 players from South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique, Ghana, Nigeria. and even the host country.
Ivory Coast who play in the PSL league were part of the AFCON 2023 tournament all thanks to PSL League Chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza.
Acknowledgment is also given to Coach Hugo Broos, who boldly trusted our domestic players, unlike previous Bafana Bafana national team coaches who preferred to select players who played abroad as bench warmers instead, to represent our National Team.
My commendation also go out to Mamelodi Sundowns FC and their technical staff for their outstanding contribution, highlighted by the inclusion of 8 players in the Bafana Bafana starting lineup. Furthermore, my heartfelt applause is due to the CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe for orchestrating what is arguably the finest AFCON tournament of the century. showcasing the continent's football prowess and uniting us in the spirit of the game.
It's a moment of pride and reflection on our journey and growth in African football. As the Chairman of Chippa United FC and as a proud South African, I find myself in a unique position during this 2023 AFCON tournament in that our very own Nigeria international Stanley Nwabali has been a revelation: his performance for the Nigerian National Team has caught the eyes of the globe. earning him and our club international acclaim.
With Stanley's rising profile and the international attention it brings to Chippa United FC. the benefits have been nothing but positive. Therefore, I and Chippa United FC stand behind our player Stanley Nwabali and the Nigerian Super Eagles tomorrow against South Africa Bafana Bafana. We wish the Super Eagles all the best.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
Click HERE to register!