Reactions have continued to trail Chippa United chairman Siviwe Mpengasi public declaration of support for Stanley Nwabali and the Nigerian national team ahead of the semi-final clash between the Bafana Bafana of South Africa and the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Mpengasi in a statement released on the club’s X handle, disclosed the club’s support for their goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and the Nigeria Super Eagles.
“As the Chairman of Chippa United FC and as a proud South African, I find myself in a unique position during this 2023 AFCON tournament 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 cub international claim,”
“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,’’ he said.
He further stated that he and Chippa United will stand behind stand behind Nwabali, who is the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, and the Super Eagles against South Africa due to the player’s rising profile.
However, the statement of Chippa United and its chairman have sparked outrage among South Africans who expressed shock and also questioned the loyalty and patriotism pf the club and its chairman.
Joseph Bertrand, (@Jobertrand19) tweeted “What am I seeing? A South African club rooting for Nigeria because they have a Nigerian player in their team? Madness!”
Another netizen, Rev Fezile W. Maqaqa (@mynameisfezile) said “The Municipalities that pump money into Chippa United; The Nelson Mandela Metro and I think Bafallo City Metro must show Chippa Mpengesi that he is answerable to sponsors of his club. This was foolishly unpatriotic of him”
Questioning the intention of the club’s chairman, Kopane Mgibanyoni (@Kopane_M) queried, “Why drag the club, couldn’t the chairman support whoever he wanted to support without dragging the club’s name, I hope the club stakeholders hold him accountable, because the team is sponsored by 2 Municipalities.”
“This should be acted upon by relevant structures, especially government entities that provide sponsorship.” almaz sithole (@almazsithole) said.
In what looked like exchange of banters, some Nigerians have expressed their support for the South African club.
Sport Photo Journalist, Tobi Adepoju posted in response to Chippa United chairman’s statement, “Dear @ChippaUnitedFC Chairman, we will give you MON. Chippa United jade tan ni oh. Stanley Nwabali – “He has not been tested.”
Youtuber and X user, Yimzy (@oyimzy), said, “Chippa United are now officially the biggest club in South Africa!!”
