The chairman of South Africa top division side Chippa United Siviwe Chippa Mpengesi has sparked a whole lot of debate in South Africa leading to curses on his team for declaring that he is supporting the Super Eagles of Nigeria ahead of their AFCON semi final game against South Africa, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Nigeria will later today take on the Bafana Bafana for a spot in the final of the ongoing tournament in Ivory Coast and ahead of the game, a lot of emotions have been on of parade on the possible outcome of the game with the Super Eagles going into the game as favorites.
One man whose opinion hasn’t gone down well with South Africans is Mpengesi who openly declared his support for the Super Eagles, who have made the first choice goalkeeper of his club Stanley Nwabali their number one at the tournament. His preference hasn’t gone down well with football lovers in South Africa.
In a post on X formerly known as Twitter where he aired his support to the Super Eagles of Nigeria, a lot of South Africans rained insults on him and his team wishing them relegation at the end of the season, and they also lambasted his lack of patriotism owning to his selfish interest for Nwabali to do well for him to command a sizeable transfer fee.
Below is the statement by the Chippa United chairman that has sparked an uproar in South Africa.
I would like to start by extending my congratulations to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) for showcasing the highest number of domestic players at the 2023 AFCON tournament. Close to 30 players from South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique, Ghana, Nigeria, and even the host country, Ivory Coast who play in the PSL league were part of the AFCON 2023 tournament all thanks to PSL League Chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza.
Acknowledgment is also given to Coach Hugo Broos, who boldly trusted our domestic players, unlike previous Bafana Bafana national team coaches who preferred to select players who played abroad as bench warmers instead, to represent our National Team. My commendation also go out to Mamelodi Sundowns FC and their technical staff for their outstanding contribution, highlighted by the inclusion of 8 players in the Bafana Bafana starting lineup.
Furthermore, my heartfelt applause is due to the CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe for orchestrating what is arguably the finest AFCON tourmament of the century, showcasing the continent’s football prowess and uniting us in the spirit of the game. It’s a moment of pride and reflection on our journey and growth in African football.
As the Chairman of Chippa United FC and as a proud South African, I find myself in a unique position during this 2023 AFCON toumament in that our very own Nigeria international Stanley Nwabali has been a revelation; his performance for the Nigerian National Team has caught the eyes of the globe, earning him and our club international acclaim.
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 Stanley Nwabali and the Nigerian Super Eagles tomorrow against South Africa Bafana Bafana. We wish the Super Eagles all the best.
Chairman Siviwe Chippa Mpengesi.
