Kaizer Chiefs Wandile Duba was on of the heroes in their Nedbank Cup semi-final victory over Mamelodi Sundowns this past weekend. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media
Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media
Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi has highlighted the importance of mental development in the ongoing progress of young striker Wandile Duba, following the forward’s crucial contribution in the Nedbank Cup semifinal.
Duba was on target as Chiefs came from behind to beat Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday, earning a place in the final and keeping alive hopes of ending a nine-year trophy drought.
Teboho Mokoena had given Sundowns the lead before Duba responded with the equaliser, and Ashley du Preez netted a late winner to seal the victory.
The win sets up a high-stakes Soweto Derby final against Orlando Pirates on May 10 at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. A week earlier, there will be another derby, this time in the League.
It also reignites optimism among the Chiefs faithful, particularly around the performance of Duba, who had earlier declared his ambition to help bring the Nedbank Cup back to Naturena.
Despite his recent form, head coach Nabi has indicated that Duba’s development is still a work in progress, particularly on the psychological side of the game.
“Regarding Duba, I think he has a lot of quality, physical quality and technical quality,” said Nabi.
“The only problem that we always work on with him is the mental problem. You know a young player when he starts to play in front of a lot of fans like Chiefs fans. So, always he’s not 100% ready mentally.
He further added: “For that, we’re trying to work on it. We think he had to make a lot of progress from last season and he can make (more progress) if he gives us solutions as a first or second striker next season.”
Duba was promoted to the first team during the 2022/23 campaign and has since made 35 appearances across all competitions, scoring seven goals and providing three assists. This season alone, he has scored six times in just 21 matches — a return that stands out considering he recently returned from a knee injury.
The 20-year-old’s goal against Sundowns followed another in the 1-1 league draw against TS Galaxy, marking back-to-back scoring performances.
Statistically, he now leads Chiefs’ front line in goals scored this season, ahead of Ranga Chivaviro and Ashley Du Preez, who both sit on five. Tashreeq Morris, another attacking option, is yet to find the back of the net.
With numbers on his side, questions have naturally emerged about whether Duba is ready to take on the role of Chiefs’ leading striker next season. While his output has been encouraging, the club’s technical team remains cautious, particularly around his ability to handle pressure in high-profile matches.
Behind the scenes, the club’s hierarchy is still exploring options in the transfer market, with an experienced striker reportedly high on the wishlist heading into the off-season. For now, though, Duba’s steady rise and growing confidence give the club something to build on.