Nwabali earns Team of Week spot after outstanding PSL performance
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has been rewarded for his outstanding start to the new South African Premier Soccer League season after being named in the PSL Team of the Week following Chippa United’s opening-day draw with Golden Arrows.
The Nigerian international produced an excellent display in Saturday’s goalless encounter, helping Chippa United leave with a point after making a series of important saves throughout the match.
Nwabali’s performance came just days after returning to the club following a period away for personal reasons.
Despite his absence from competitive action since February, the 29-year-old showed impressive sharpness and composure between the posts.
Six saves earn deserved recognition
The Super Eagles goalkeeper made six crucial saves to frustrate Golden Arrows and preserve a clean sheet for Chippa United in their first league game of the campaign.
His performance also earned him the Man of the Match award, underlining his importance to the team as they began the season on a positive note.
The league organisers later included Nwabali in the Matchday One Team of the Week, where he was selected as the goalkeeper in a 3-4-3 formation.
He was the only Chippa United player to make the best XI, alongside players from Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Polokwane City, AmaZulu, Sekhukhune United and Siwelele FC.
Strong response after return
Nwabali’s immediate impact will come as a major boost for Chippa United, who welcomed back one of their most influential players ahead of the new campaign.
The Nigerian has established himself as one of the league’s most reliable goalkeepers in recent seasons and carried that form into the opening weekend with another confident performance.
His latest recognition also continues an impressive run of individual honours following his performances for both club and country over the past year.
Nwabali and Chippa United shift their focus to their next PSL fixture against Richards Bay, where the Super Eagles goalkeeper will be aiming to build on his strong start and help his side record their first victory of the season.