Stanley Nwabali could be heading to Tanzania, with Simba SC having made enquiries about the free-agent goalkeeper nearly three months after his departure from Chippa United left one of African football’s most recognisable shot-stoppers without a club, Footynaija.com reports.
Nwabali, 29, terminated his contract with the South African side in February after four years at the club, during which he made 76 appearances, kept 25 clean sheets and captained the team.
He had hoped his standout performances at the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast, where his penalty save against the host nation in the round of 16 was one of the defining moments of Nigeria’s run to the final, would open doors to a bigger stage.
That has not materialised as expected, and he has since been training individually under former Super Eagles goalkeeper Greg Etafia while assessing his options.
Simba, 22-time champions of Tanzania and regular participants in the CAF Champions League, have a goalkeeping gap to fill. Their first-choice keeper Moussa Camara is currently sidelined with a knee injury, and the club are looking to bring in a proven replacement before the next campaign begins.
‘The next few days will be very interesting’
Credible East African football agent Edgah Mitemah has confirmed Simba’s interest, speaking exclusively to Footy-Africa.
“Yes, I am aware Simba are looking to sign a goalkeeper, and Nwabali is one of those who has come on their radar at the moment,” he said.
“I think he will be a huge addition to the Tanzanian league because of his profile, even though I still do not understand why he left Chippa United when he did.”
Mitemah also revealed that Simba are not the only Tanzanian club in the picture.
“There are other clubs like Azam FC who might rival Simba for the goalkeeper, while I am also aware of Kaizer Chiefs’ admiration for him. They have been tracking him for some time now.”
On the likelihood of a deal, he was measured but optimistic.
“He is a free agent, so it will be easier for Simba to sign him, and I believe the signing-on fee they may offer could tempt him to join. They are interested, and the next few days will be very interesting.”
