Sean Louw – Before the AFCON, Stanley Nwabali wanted a Kaizer Chiefs move

Nwabali, a key player who contributed significantly to the Super Eagles' journey to the runners-up spot at the AFCON, losing to hosts Côte d'Ivoire in the final, is now the subject of interest from overseas teams. But Louw reveals before the AFCON, all Nwabali spoke about was a Chiefs move.

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''Like I said  to you, between you and me his childhood dream was to always play for Kaizer Chiefs, but even me, my childhood dream was to play for Kaizer Chiefs, I don't blame him. In the beginning of this season he wanted to play for Kaizer Chiefs, but I said to him before you speak to Kaizer Chiefs, first go to Afcon because you will win the Afcon and you will be so much more worth than at Kaizer Chiefs with all due respect,'' said Louw.

Following his exploits at the AFCON, Nwabali (27) started to attract offers from several clubs, one of which was the deep pockets of the Saudi Arabian Pro League side Al-Ettifaq FC, coached by England national team and Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard. Louw, who has previously worked at Bloemfontein Celtic Ladies, Banyana Banyana, and All Stars (NFD) as a goalkeeper coach, says this move was going to make a lot of sense.

''Sometimes I wish it was about me to be quite honest. I would love for him to join Steven Gerrard in Saudi Arabia, and I can give many reasons why, number one - it's Arab money and number two you are coached  by the legend of the game who is willing to understand how the game is being played now, he added.  

Chippa Chairman Siviwe “Chippa” Mpengesi has previously said that he would not stand in Nwabali’s way if a good offer were to come, but he could now be priced way outside the local market. A minimum of three million dollars could be the asking fee for Nwabali, but Louw still has ambitions of playing for a top club locally. But the 32-year-old also revealed that Cameroonian international and Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana is in constant communication with Nwabali.

Louw has told an interesting story of how former Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro is following the events around Nwabali closely and could come for him depending on his next project.

Nwabali has played a total of 27 matches in all competitions this season, conceding 26 goals and kept 11 clean sheets.