Chippa United Coach Luc Eymael Clears Air on Stanley Nwabali Absence Amid Injury Misunderstanding

Chippa United head coach Luc Eymael has moved to dismiss speculation surrounding captain Stanley Nwabali’s absence in the club’s recent loss to Polokwane City, clarifying that the Nigerian goalkeeper was unavailable due to injury rather than internal conflict.

Nwabali returned to the starting XI on Wednesday evening, delivering a composed performance as the Chilli Boys battled to a 1-1 draw with Sekhukhune United in a Betway Premiership fixture at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.

The 29-year-old’s absence in the 2-1 weekend defeat to Polokwane City had sparked rumours that he could be on his way out of the club, particularly as the transfer window came to a close. The speculation intensified after Eymael was quoted suggesting there was an “internal issue” to resolve with the Super Eagles star.

However, the Belgian tactician has now clarified the matter, attributing the confusion to a miscommunication between the player, the technical team, and the medical staff.

“In fact, it’s a question of misunderstanding. It was a question of injury, and I did not understand what happened very well,” Eymael explained.

“There was some kind of miscommunication, not only with Stanley but also with the medical staff. He also made an effort to play because he is not 100 per cent, but you saw his importance. He is very secure, calm for the defence, and all these things. But there has been a miscommunication.”

The coach further admitted his initial comments may have been misinterpreted.
“I didn’t want to talk because I didn’t know exactly; when you asked me, I said it’s private because I didn’t know exactly because the other one was saying that and the other one was saying that. So when I didn’t have the word or communication of everybody, then I could not analyse. That’s why I said that, and I didn’t translate well.”

With Nwabali back in the line-up, Chippa United will be hoping for more stability between the posts as they look to climb the Betway Premiership standings.