Chippa United head coach Brandon Truter has praised Stanley Nwabali after the Super Eagles goalkeeper played a key role in helping the Chilli Boys win the second Annual Eastern Cape Pre-Season Tournament in South Africa.
Chippa lifted the trophy on Sunday after beating Motsepe Foundation Championship side Highbury FC 4-2 on penalties following a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Mthatha Stadium.
The Chilli Boys had taken a 1-0 lead before halftime, but Highbury fought back in the second half to level the score and force an immediate penalty shootout, with no extra time played.
Nwabali, who recently returned to Chippa United after a five-month break from the club, produced a crucial save during the shootout as his teammates converted their penalties to seal the title.
Nwabali
It was his second appearance since rejoining the club and his first penalty shootout victory following his return.
“With Stanley Nwabali in goal, one of Africa’s best, I knew he’d make a save to help us win,” Truter reportedly said.
The coach also praised his squad’s display throughout the tournament after victories over Ravens FC in the semifinal and Highbury in the final.
“This was a good tournament. I’m surprised by the guys’ output and the structure over which we had complete control.
“I mean, even the goal came from nowhere in a sense; we were focused on the substitution, they put the goal in the box, and we conceded from there.”But other than that, the game was controlled; it was mature, the same as their early game as well.”So it gives me a headache going into next week.
“I think everybody really performed and showed up in this tournament. It was a good tournament.
“Kanu [Vusumuzi Vilakazi] is a good coach. He assembled a good team; they gave us a run for our money, so I am confident that they will perform well in the league.”
Truter admitted the strong performances across the squad have made team selection difficult ahead of Chippa United’s Betway Premiership opener against Golden Arrows at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu next Saturday.
