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Chippa United chairman released a statement to disclose the club's support for their goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and the Nigeria Super Eagles.
Chippa United chairman Siviwe Mpengasi has sparked outrage in South Africa after he declared his support for club star Stanley Nwabali.
Pulse Sports Nigeria can report that the Chippa United boss released an official statement to reveal the club’s position ahead of the clash between Nigeria and South Africa.
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Chippa United and Super Eagles
In a lengthy statement posted on the social media platform, X.com via the club’s official account, Mpengesi congratulated the Premier Soccer League for having the most players at AFCON and applauded Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos for selecting homegrown talent.
However, he then proclaimed that he and Chippa United stand behind Nwabali, who is the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, and the Super Eagles against South Africa due to the player's rising profile. Nwabali plays for Chippa United and has impressed at the tournament for Nigeria.
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“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 Nwabal has been a revelation, his performance for the Nigerian National Team has caught the eyes of the globe, earning him and our cub international claim,” he said.
“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 Starley Nwabal and the Nigerian Super Eagles tomorrow against South Africa,’’ he added.
Reactions
Mpengesi's comments have drawn intense criticism on social media from South African fans, who felt the chairman should be supporting his own nation.
Many have viewed the statement as a betrayal to be wishing an opposing team well. Here are some of the reactions.
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With Bafana Bafana aiming to reach the AFCON final, Mpengesi's divisive remarks have cast a pall over preparations.
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