Kaizer Chiefs eye Lobi Stars goalkeeper amidst club crisis

13-time South African Champions, Kaizer Chiefs, have shown interest in Nigeria and Lobi Stars goalkeeper, Japhet Opubo, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 15-time MTN8 Cup winners have turned their focus to bringing in a top goalkeeper ahead of the 2025/2026 season after a dreadful campaign in the PSL, during which they conceded the second-most goals in the league.

The Phefeni Glamour Boys head coach, Nasreddine Nabi, has clarified that stability between the sticks remains a top priority.

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According to the South African, the Chiefs have been offered the services of Nigerian goalkeeper Japhet Opubo, who has steadily built a strong reputation for bringing players in from the NPFL.

The 30-year-old goalkeeper was a part of the Enugu Rangers team that won the Nigerian league in the 2023/2024 season.

Last season, Bruce Bvuma, Brandon Petersen, and Rwanda's Fiacre Ntwari all struggled to cement their place as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper. Each goalkeeper had moments of brilliance but failed to maintain consistent form. This instability heavily contributed to the club’s defensive vulnerabilities and ultimately proved costly.

With Ntwari reportedly seeking a move away from Naturena, Amakhosi’s technical team has intensified its search for a dependable shot-stopper.

“Japhet Opubo is a top goalkeeper who has proven himself in Nigeria over the past few seasons, and he could be a good addition at a big club like Kaizer Chiefs,” a source told the South African.

Kaizer Chiefs were once linked with Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, but instead, the CAF 2023 finalist penned a new deal with Chippa United.

At the time, Chiefs chose to stick with Ntwari, which raised questions from ex-South Africa coach, Alex Heredia.

“It's not easy to play on a big, big stage like Kaizer Chiefs, where even during the training sessions you're under pressure.

“They must not judge him in his first game, they must give him four-five games to see how he reacts. At the moment, he is a good goalkeeper, adding quality to the side.

“For a goalkeeper to perform, he needs a good team. It's the same with the team. But the Nigerian Nwabali, looks more solid compared to the Rwandan because we've seen most of his games.

“I watched him both here in the PSL and at the AFCON, and he's done quite well. In my opinion, the Nigerian would have been a more positive option for Chiefs,” the 67-year-old said as previously reported by Soccernet.ng reports.

Now, Opubo is the candidate to fill the goalkeeper gap at Kaizer Chiefs. His agents are currently assessing the options available for him as he eyes a move abroad to boost his chances of breaking into the Nigerian National team.