Chippa United co-coach Thabo September is preparing for life without Nigerian national team first-choice keeper Stanley Nwabali, who has been linked with a big move since the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.
The 28-year-old goalkeeper is on top of Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates' shopping list for the upcoming transfer window and has made it clear there is no point in moving to Europe if the pay is good in South Africa.
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Nwabali helped the Super Eagles secure a silver medal after losing the AFCON final to host Ivory Coast in February, having beaten Bafana Bafana on penalties in the semi-finals.
September admits chances of keeping Nwabali in Gqeberha are near impossible.
"At this stage, Stanley Nwabali is still a Chippa United player, that's all we know. Of course, there is interest in him, but the club is still trying to see which one is the best," he reveals, speaking to KickOff.
"The management is still discussing with him so that both the club and the player are happy with any decision they might go with. I don't know which clubs are interested. If I knew, I would tell you, but the chances of him being with us next season are very slim.
"He is wanted, so that's a good thing, hence I'm saying chances of him staying are very slim.
"I would feel happy for him if he leaves though, happy for his progress, happy for the player to grow and happy for the club to have produced, and also for the player to go to the next level.
"Chippa United is doing well in producing players, that's a good thing, it's part of the business.
"I'm sure Borussia Dortmund would have loved to keep Jude Bellingham, but it was a good deal for them when Bellingham went to Real Madrid - it's good for both the player and the club.
"It's good for players who want to come to Chippa United as it will help them to better positions. So, it's good for the club."
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Nwabali made 29 appearances for Chippa United in all competitions for the Chilli Boys in the 2023/24 Premier Soccer League Season, producing 12 clean sheets.
He conceded 27 goals in all 29 matches he played in.