Khune Questions Chiefs’ Penalty Decision: Why Wandile Duba Should Have Taken Both Spot-Kicks Against Siwelele

Kaizer Chiefs legend Itumeleng Khune has questioned his former club’s decision to allow Mduduzi Shabalala to take their first penalty against Siwelele FC, insisting that in-form striker Wandile Duba should have been entrusted with both spot-kicks.

The former Amakhosi captain shared his assessment following Chiefs’ dramatic 2-1 victory over Siwelele in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Sunday, 8 November 2026.

The encounter presented Chiefs with two first-half opportunities from the penalty spot. However, the first ended in disappointment when Shabalala stepped forward in the 36th minute and sent his effort over the crossbar after Mfundo Vilakazi was fouled inside the penalty area.

Amakhosi eventually found their equaliser through Duba, who successfully converted their second penalty in first-half stoppage time after Shabalala was brought down by Siyabonga Ndebele.

Speaking as a football analyst on SABC Sport and subsequently discussing the incident on SoccerZone, Khune explained why he believed the responsibility should have rested with Duba from the beginning.

According to the former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper, Duba was enjoying a stronger run of confidence and deserved to maintain his momentum rather than surrender the opportunity to Shabalala.

Khune pointed to Duba's recent scoring form, particularly his contribution to Chiefs' convincing 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy, as an important factor behind his argument.

He also acknowledged Shabalala's response after missing the opening penalty, praising the midfielder for recovering sufficiently to allow Duba to take the second opportunity.

"Mduduzi did well to redeem himself after the penalty miss," Khune explained.

However, he maintained that the initial decision was questionable, given the different confidence levels of the two players at that particular moment.

Khune's remarks come amid criticism directed at Shabalala following the missed opportunity, although the midfielder remains an important figure in Chiefs' attacking setup.

Meanwhile, Duba's successful conversion further underlined his importance to Amakhosi's campaign.

Chiefs eventually secured qualification through substitute Asanele Velebayi, whose 84th-minute strike completed their comeback after Siwelele had taken an early lead through Siyabonga Ndebele.

The victory sets up an exciting Carling Knockout semi-final meeting with Mamelodi Sundowns.

As Chiefs prepare for that demanding encounter, Khune's comments have reignited an important discussion about penalty-taking responsibilities, player confidence and decision-making under pressure.

Should Duba be appointed Kaizer Chiefs' first-choice penalty taker going forward?

Source https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2119671404274610273?a=aVckEJ5q0kKgw0dGmt4&s=19