'I pushed him' - Chippa United boss admits he was at fault for fielding grieving Nwabali

Chippa United's recent loss to TS Galaxy in the Betway Premiership has been a subject of discussion, with many pointing fingers at goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali's blunder that led to the winning goal. 

However, Chippa United coach Thabo September has taken responsibility for the defeat, admitting that he made a mistake by fielding Nwabali despite the goalkeeper's request to be rested.

The Super Eagles glovesman had recently lost both his parents, with his mother passing away on January 1, less than two months after his father's demise. 

The goalkeeper had asked to be excused from the match against TS Galaxy, citing emotional instability. However, September decided to play him, a decision that ultimately backfired.

September has conceded that he should have listened to Nwabali's concerns and given him the time and space he needed. 

By pushing him to play, September feels that he may have contributed to the team's loss. 

Despite this, he was impressed with the overall performance of the team, who gave it their all and left everything on the pitch.

"A good game from us, we didn't lose it anywhere," the gaffer told FARPost. "I think we did everything we wanted to do. But it's football."

"Where we lost it, maybe it's from the bench. From me, from the coaching side, because my goalkeeper did plead with me that he was not okay today and he wanted to rest. 

"He's going through a lot. Him being the number one goalkeeper, I pushed him and said he must play.

"Sometimes you must listen. For me as a coach just growing into that. So, I'll take that. From the players, everyone gave 120% performance, so I'm happy about that; they gave it their best."

September also acknowledged that the Nigerian international had a good game overall, despite the costly mistake. 

The goalkeeper had little to do for most of the match, but was called upon to make some crucial saves towards the end.

"He didn't have much to do, maybe towards the end when we made mistakes and towards the end when we were chasing the game. But other than that, he did very well."

The Chilly Boys will now quickly take all attention to their next challenge in the Nedbank Cup Last 16, where they will do battle against league giants Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday at the FNB Stadium.

Ejim Kaycee

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