Golden Arrows are moving quickly to strengthen their goalkeeping department, with experienced shot-stopper Dumisani Msibi set to join the club after saying goodbye to his Chippa United teammates.
The 31-year-old goalkeeper reportedly confirmed his departure on Monday, bringing an end to his spell in Gqeberha and paving the way for a move to Abafana Bes’thende.
Chippa’s goalkeeping picture changes
Msibi’s exit comes shortly after Stanley Nwabali returned to the Chippa United squad during pre-season.
The Nigerian international had been expected to leave the club at the end of the 2025/26 campaign, but Chippa subsequently brought him back into the fold.
His return has now altered the club’s options between the posts and opened the door for Msibi to pursue a fresh challenge.
Msibi leaves after impressive Chippa campaign
Despite Chippa enduring a difficult season, Msibi emerged as one of the team’s more reliable performers.
He featured in 18 Betway Premiership matches and recorded eight clean sheets, while also being trusted with the captain’s armband on a number of occasions.
His performances provided both consistency and leadership for a side that struggled for results.
Msibi had only joined Chippa after making a strong impression with Durban City, helping the KwaZulu-Natal club secure promotion to the top flight.
Promotion success earned Msibi major recognition
Before moving to Chippa, Msibi played an important role in Durban City’s successful Motsepe Foundation Championship campaign.
The goalkeeper made more than 20 league appearances as the team secured promotion to the Premiership.
His individual performances were recognised when he was named the division’s Goalkeeper of the Season for the 2024/25 campaign.
That form helped establish him as one of the experienced goalkeepers capable of making the step up to top-flight football.
Golden Arrows gain experience and leadership
For Golden Arrows, the arrival of Msibi represents more than simply adding another goalkeeper to the squad.
His experience at Premiership level and his previous involvement in leadership roles should give the Durban-based side an additional commanding presence at the back.
His career has also included international exposure from a young age.
While still only 19 and on the books of SuperSport United, Msibi received a surprise call-up from then-Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim ‘Shakes’ Mashaba for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sudan and Nigeria.
At the time, he was part of a goalkeeping group that included Itumeleng Khune and the late Senzo Meyiwa.
Former Bafana goalkeeper now faces competition
Msibi subsequently made his Bafana Bafana debut against Ivory Coast, adding international experience to a career that has also included representing South Africa at youth level.
At Golden Arrows, however, there will be no guaranteed starting position.
He is expected to compete with Thakasani Mbanjwa and Namibian international Edward Maova for the club’s number one jersey.
The battle for the position could therefore become one of the interesting selection decisions facing the technical team.
Pirates had also monitored Msibi
Golden Arrows are not the only major club to have shown interest in the goalkeeper.
Orlando Pirates had reportedly considered Msibi as a possible replacement for Melusi Buthelezi, who was set to depart.
However, the Buccaneers eventually cooled their interest, allowing Arrows to move into a stronger position to secure his services.
A significant addition for Arrows
Msibi now appears set to begin another chapter of his career at Golden Arrows, bringing top-flight experience, leadership qualities and a proven record of performing under pressure.
For Arrows, the move could provide greater depth and competition in a crucial position, while Msibi will have the opportunity to establish himself at another Premiership club after two seasons that have raised his profile.
His arrival also adds another experienced figure to an Arrows squad looking to make progress in the new campaign.
What’s next?
The focus will now turn to Msibi completing his move to Golden Arrows and competing for the starting goalkeeper position.
With Mbanjwa and Maova also in contention, the club’s technical team will have a genuine selection decision to make as the season develops.
For Chippa, meanwhile, Nwabali’s return provides a clear indication of how the club’s goalkeeping hierarchy has changed, with Msibi’s departure creating space for a new chapter on both sides.
Summary
- Dumisani Msibi has said goodbye to his Chippa United teammates.
- The 31-year-old goalkeeper is set to join Golden Arrows.
- His departure follows Stanley Nwabali’s return to Chippa.
- Msibi made 18 Betway Premiership appearances for Chippa and kept eight clean sheets.
- He previously helped Durban City win promotion to the top flight.
- Msibi was named Goalkeeper of the Season in the 2024/25 Motsepe Foundation Championship.
- He has previous Bafana Bafana experience after making his senior debut against Ivory Coast.
- At Golden Arrows, he is expected to compete with Thakasani Mbanjwa and Edward Maova.
- Orlando Pirates had also considered Msibi before cooling their interest.
