Kaizer Chiefs Dealt Blow Ahead of Soweto Derby as Wandile Duba Misses Out

Kaizer Chiefs will head into the eagerly awaited Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates this Saturday without one of their brightest sparks, Wandile Duba — a setback that has further deepened the gloom around the struggling Naturena giants.

The 21-year-old striker has emerged as a rare positive in an otherwise underwhelming season for Amakhosi. However, he will play no part in the clash at a sold-out FNB Stadium after picking up his fourth yellow card during last weekend’s 2-1 defeat to Marumo Gallants.

Duba’s Absence Adds to Chiefs’ Troubles

Duba has shown glimpses of his potential in recent weeks and has offered the Chiefs faithful something to hold onto in a campaign marred by inconsistency and a toothless attack. With senior forwards Ranga Chivaviro and Tashreeq Morris struggling to deliver, and new signing Glody Lilepo yet to find consistency, the responsibility to score has largely fallen on the young forward.

Former Chiefs striker Thembinkosi Biyela has voiced concerns over Duba’s absence, calling it a “massive blow” and criticizing the team’s overall management.

“He’s been the most consistent player in the frontline,” said Biyela. “I don’t understand what’s happening with the other forwards, and honestly, even the coach isn’t helping the situation.”

Tactical Confusion Under Nabi

Much of Biyela’s criticism was directed at head coach Nasreddine Nabi, who has come under increased scrutiny for his tactics and inconsistent team selections. According to Biyela, the decision to deploy winger Ashley Du Preez as a makeshift right-back against Marumo Gallants reflects a deeper tactical confusion within the squad.

“What was Du Preez doing defending corners and chasing counter-attacks from right-back? That’s not his job,” Biyela said bluntly. “It’s decisions like these that are costing us.”

He added that the team’s constant changes have made it impossible to establish rhythm: “No one knows who will start in any given match. The line-up is different every week. That’s not how top teams operate.”

Calls for Accountability

Biyela didn’t hold back when addressing the broader issues plaguing the club, including what he sees as leniency toward Nabi.

“If this were a local coach, he would have been fired by now. Why should Nabi be given more time when others haven’t had that luxury?” he questioned. “Chiefs have been stuck in ninth place for too long. We’re not progressing.”

He even took a jab at the coach’s tactical direction, joking, “I’m not sure what he’s trying to cook with this team — is it oxtail or mogodu? Because it’s certainly not football that we’re used to at Kaizer Chiefs.”

Must-Win Derby for Different Reasons

While Orlando Pirates are still mathematically in the title race and looking to heap pressure on Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs have more modest — yet urgent — goals: to restore pride and finish the season on a positive note.

The derby is always emotional, but for Chiefs, it’s also a chance to show signs of life in a dismal campaign. Without Duba, though, the task becomes even harder, especially against a confident Pirates side that smells blood in the water.

What’s at Stake

For Pirates, victory would keep their championship hopes alive. For Chiefs, defeat could increase pressure on the coaching staff and the board — and stir louder calls for change.

The derby kicks off at 15:00 on Saturday at FNB Stadium. One team is dreaming of glory; the other is desperate for redemption.