Nabi Breaks Silence After Soweto Derby Loss: “Duba Could’ve Changed Everything”

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi has admitted that the absence of star striker Wandile Duba played a significant role in their latest Soweto Derby defeat to fierce rivals Orlando Pirates. Chiefs were narrowly edged 2-1 by the Buccaneers in Saturday’s high-stakes league clash at FNB Stadium.

The Glamour Boys had taken an early lead through Glody Lilepo, but the Bucs came roaring back with goals from Evidence Makgopa and Relebohile Mofokeng to claim the bragging rights. It marked the second consecutive derby loss for Nabi, who has yet to register a win over Pirates counterpart Jose Riveiro.

While Pirates were without their suspended captain Nkosinathi Sibisi, Chiefs had to contend with the absence of one of their most influential players this season. Wandile Duba, sidelined for the clash due to suspension, has been in red-hot form with five goals and an assist in the current DStv Premiership campaign.

Speaking after the game, Nabi did not shy away from expressing how Duba’s unavailability hurt his team’s attacking rhythm.

“Duba is indeed a player who has been important to our team,” the Tunisian tactician told reporters. “When you are missing a player like Duba, who is on good form, offensively, he would have given us something.”

Despite the setback, Nabi commended the players who stepped up in Duba’s absence.

“But those who played [on Saturday] showed they are capable of doing the job,” he added.

The defeat not only extended Nabi’s winless record in Soweto Derby matches but also added pressure ahead of Saturday’s Nedbank Cup final — where Kaizer Chiefs will again face Orlando Pirates, this time at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Duba, who has been a breakthrough star this season, is expected to return and feature prominently in the final. His presence will be a massive boost for Amakhosi as they look to end their 10-year trophy drought and restore pride to the club’s faithful.

Meanwhile, Pirates will also welcome back Sibisi to solidify their backline, setting the stage for another tightly contested battle between South Africa’s biggest footballing rivals.