A significant setback has struck Kaizer Chiefs just days before the highly anticipated Soweto Derby clash this weekend, as their in-form striker will be forced to watch from the sidelines due to suspension.
Amakosi academy product Wandile Duba unfortunately picked up his fourth yellow card of the Betway Premiership season during their recent 2-1 defeat at the hands of Marumo Gallants at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
Having entered the match already treading a disciplinary tightrope with three cautions, the young forward’s booking triggered the automatic one-match ban.
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This enforced absence presents a considerable headache for Chiefs’ newly appointed coach, Nasreddine Nabi. Duba has emerged as a key figure in the team’s attack this season, currently leading the Glamour Boys’ scoring charts in the league with an impressive five goals.
In Duba’s absence, the responsibility of spearheading the Chiefs’ attack is likely to fall upon the shoulders of Ashley du Preez. The former Stellenbosch FC forward was unlucky not to find the back of the net himself in the match against Gallants when Duba’s shot, which was heading goalward, agonizingly rebounded off the post in the second half.
However, while Duba’s suspension is a blow for this weekend’s league showdown, Chiefs can take solace in the fact that he will be available for the subsequent Soweto Derby just a week later. The two Soweto giants are set to reignite their rivalry in the final of the prestigious Nedbank Cup, scheduled to take place at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Friday, 10 May.
Adding a layer of complexity to Chiefs’ team selection, the match against Marumo Gallants also saw a makeshift defensive pairing. Bradley Cross partnered with Zitha Kwinika in the heart of the defense, as Given Msimango was also unavailable due to injury, forcing coach Nabi into a reshuffle at the back.
Furthermore, the experienced Inacio Miguel, who has often worn the captain’s armband this season, started the game on the bench. This tactical decision was a precautionary measure, as Miguel had accumulated three yellow cards himself, and starting him carried the risk of him incurring another booking, which would have mirrored Duba’s fate and ruled him out of the crucial derby.
Despite the defensive challenges and Duba’s suspension, Chiefs will receive a welcome boost with the return of two key players from suspension. Gaston Sirino and Pule Mmodi, both of whom had accumulated four yellow cards, served their one-match bans during the loss to Gallants and will be eligible for selection in the Soweto Derby. Their availability will provide Nabi with much-needed experience and quality in midfield and attack.
Meanwhile, the recovery timeline for defender Rushwin Dortley remains uncertain. He has been sidelined with an injury since the league encounter against reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns back in March, further limiting Nabi’s options at the back.
The absence of Duba coupled with the recent defensive vulnerabilities presents a significant hurdle for Kaizer Chiefs as they prepare for the intense atmosphere and high stakes of the Soweto Derby. Kick off is set for 15h00 on Saturday, 03 May 2025.