chiefs' rising hitman wandile duba faces major challenge despite impressive scoring form

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA — 10 NOVEMBER 2026

Kaizer Chiefs youngster Wandile Duba has given supporters plenty of reasons to be excited this season, following an impressive improvement in front of goal. However, the talented forward faces an important challenge as he looks to establish himself as one of the club's most reliable attacking players.

The 22-year-old has enjoyed a promising start to the 2026/27 campaign, showing greater confidence, improved movement and a growing ability to influence matches in the final third.

Duba's performances have been particularly encouraging under head coach Fernando Da Cruz, who has continued to give young players opportunities to demonstrate their abilities.

One of the biggest highlights of his campaign came when he scored a remarkable hat-trick against TS Galaxy in the Carling Knockout competition, helping Amakhosi secure a convincing 3-0 victory at FNB Stadium.

His impressive contribution did not stop there. Duba also found the back of the net during Chiefs' 2-1 victory over Siwelele FC on Sunday, 8 November, scoring from the penalty spot to help his team qualify for the Carling Knockout semi-finals.

These performances have strengthened his position among the club's important attacking options.

However, consistency remains a significant challenge for the young striker. Da Cruz has previously acknowledged that Duba possesses excellent qualities but still needs to improve his consistency if he wants to reach the next level.

The Chiefs coach has praised his ability to drop deeper, make intelligent attacking runs and position himself effectively inside the penalty area.

Da Cruz has also suggested that continued hard work could eventually open the door for Duba to represent Bafana Bafana.

Another concern for Amakhosi is the responsibility placed on the youngster to deliver goals. Chiefs have experienced difficulties finding consistent goalscoring contributions from different attacking players, making Duba's form particularly important.

The club will need other forwards to contribute regularly rather than depending heavily on one player throughout a demanding season.

For Duba, the opportunity is clear. Maintaining his current confidence, improving his decision-making and delivering consistent performances could transform him into a leading figure at Naturena.

Chiefs supporters will undoubtedly hope that his recent performances represent the beginning of something special rather than a temporary purple patch.

With important league fixtures and cup commitments still ahead, Duba has an opportunity to prove that he can become the dependable goalscorer Amakhosi have been searching for.

Source https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2120079126522474684