Planned Bucs & Chippa talks for Ofori/Nwabali swap?

Insiders have hinted about planned discussions between Orlando Pirates and Chippa United over a possible swap deal involving goalkeepers Richard Ofori and Stanley Nwabali.

Bucs have emerged as frontrunners in the race to sign the Nigerian international whose goalkeeping heroics at the recent Africa Cup of Nations saw his national team reaching the final, which they eventually lost to hosts Ivory Coast last Sunday.

With Pirates expected to make changes in their goalkeeping department at the end of the season as veterans Ofori and Siyabonga Mpontshane near the expiry of their deals, the bulky goal minder is being targeted for a move to the Houghton-based club, as confirmed by close sources.

In January, the Soweto giants and the Chilli Boys continued with their good working relationship when Thabiso Lebitso made the switch from Gqeberha to Gauteng, while Bienvenu Eva Nga went the opposite direction after being released from Jose Riveiro’s side.

“With Nwabali reportedly attracting interest from several clubs after his excellent performances at Afcon, Pirates are keen to be first to his signature. He is a player they think can add value to the team as part of the goalkeeping changes being planned by the club,” revealed a source.

“There is a possible swap deal that is being planned for him and Ofori plus cash. Chippa value Nwabali highly and see him as an asset, and he won’t come cheap. Initially, Pirates had hoped that Ofori would attract interest from abroad after the Afcon but seeing that he and Ghana didn’t have the best of tournaments, a local move isn’t being ruled out,” the source added.

At the time of publishing, there was no official word from Pirates after the Siya crew contacted the club regarding their goalkeeping department plans and the Nwabali speculation.