Kaizer Chiefs fans have had plenty to celebrate lately, especially after their nail-biting 2-1 win over Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup semifinal.
But amid the euphoria, head coach Nasreddine Nabi has offered a reality check on one of the team’s brightest young talents, Wandile Duba.
While the 20-year-old striker has been making waves on the pitch, Nabi believes there’s still one key obstacle standing between Duba and football stardom.
A Big Moment Against Sundowns
Sunday’s semifinal clash at Loftus Versfeld Stadium was packed with drama.
Chiefs found themselves behind at halftime after a screamer from Sundowns’ Teboho Mokoena.
But the second half was a different story.
Duba seized his moment, capitalizing on a mistake from Lucas Ribeiro Costa.
With incredible composure, he slotted the ball past Ronwen Williams to level the score.
Then, just when it looked like extra time was on the horizon, Ashley Du Preez popped up with a stunning late winner to send Amakhosi fans into celebration mode—and their team into a long-awaited final.
Outperforming the Competition
Duba’s goal wasn’t just a one-off. He’s now bagged six goals in just 21 appearances this season, even after coming back from a tough knee injury.
That’s more than what seasoned forwards Ranga Chivaviro and Ashley Du Preez have managed (both on five), while Tashreeq Morris has yet to get off the mark.
Even more impressive? Duba’s on a roll, having scored in consecutive matches.
It’s no wonder fans are starting to whisper—could he be the striker Chiefs have been waiting for?
Mental Game Still a Work in Progress
While the stats paint a promising picture, coach Nabi isn’t getting carried away just yet.
In his post-match remarks, he praised Duba’s technical and physical abilities but said the young forward still needs to develop a stronger mentality.
“Duba has a lot of quality, no doubt about it,” Nabi said. “But we’re constantly working on his mindset.
It’s tough for young players, especially with a massive club like Chiefs and the passionate fanbase that comes with it. Mentally, he’s not quite there yet.”
Improvement Is on the Horizon
That said, Nabi isn’t writing him off. In fact, he’s seen progress since last season and believes Duba is on the right track to becoming a regular starter—maybe even the team’s go-to striker next season.
“If he keeps improving and stays mentally focused, there’s no reason he can’t be our first-choice striker,” Nabi added.
“He’s shown he can provide solutions, whether as a starter or coming off the bench.”
All Eyes on Duba Ahead of Soweto Derby and Final
Before they even think about the Nedbank Cup final against rivals Orlando Pirates on May 10, Chiefs will lock horns with the same opponents in a crucial league showdown on May 3.
And you can bet Duba will be under the spotlight once again.
This could be his moment—not just to shine in the spotlight but to truly prove that he’s ready to lead the line for the Glamour Boys.