After days of mounting reports that South African DStv Premiership giants Orlando Pirates are on the verge of securing the signature of Namibian goalkeeper Lloyd Kazapua, Chippa United have finally come out to put the speculations to bed. 

Speaking to Goal.com sport site, Chippa United’s general manager Morgan Mammila said despite the strong interest shown by Pirates to sign over the young acrobatic goalie, they have no intentions or plans to sell Kazapua. 

“No, Kazapua is our number one goalkeeper. He is not leaving,” said Mammila, who has also been serving as a coach at the club, following the departure of Daine Klate a few weeks ago.

The 33-year-old Kazapua has been one of United’s standout performers so far this season – and it is those strings of impressive display that sparked interest from Pirates, who have been shopping for a new goalkeeper since they released Wayne Sandilands and Elson Sithole at the end of last season.

Goal.com has since learned that the Buccaneers are looking to sign Kazapua’s understudy Sipho Chaine, who has made two appearances this season.  

Pirates have a good working relationship with Chippa, which saw them sign Azola Matrose three months ago, before loaning him back to United.

He made his Brave Warriors debut in January 2014 in a friendly match against Ghana, and has since gone on to amass over 32 caps for the Namibian senior football side. 

He was also part of the country’s squad for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

- ohembapu@nepc.com.na