Wandile Duba: from lighting up the GDL to scoring winners in the PSL
Kaizer Chiefs’ standout Wandile Duba put his skills on show when he scored a remarkable goal from outside the box to help the AmaKhosi to three crucial DStv Premier Soccer League points and a 1-0 win over Golden Arrows at the FNB Stadium on Tuesday evening.
It was a vital victory after a series of sub-standard performances and results from the Phefeni Glamour Boys, which had left their faithful fans disappointed as their competitors kept getting the better of them.
Duba had previously entered the action as a substitute on 2 March, and made a significant impact, when Chiefs played to a goalless draw against Moroka Swallows in a Soweto derby, also at the FNB Stadium.
His journey mirrors that of other promising young players who have risen through the ranks of development structures and competed in the highly competitive Gauteng Development League (GDL). Among them is the talented Mfundo Vilakazi, who recently earned a spot in the Amakhosi’s first team.
Having showcased his skills and scored stunners in the DStv Diski Challenge, Duba, at just 19 years of age, caught the attention of football enthusiasts and established himself as a rising star.
Reflecting on his performance against the Dube Birds, in an interview with the Kaizer Chiefs website, Duba said: “I was very grateful to the coach for giving me a chance against Swallows. It was exciting to be back in the Gold and Black.
“I have been working hard since the mini pre-season and the coaching staff have been very encouraging, telling me I will get my chance. I must just be patient and keep working hard.”
Duba’s journey has been filled with difficulties and obstacles that have occasionally hindered his progress. In 2023, his mother passed away. It was the toughest loss of his life and career, Duba said. He turned out for Chiefs in May of that year but was not seen in the 1st XI again until this year.
“It has been tough for me since I lost my mother last season because she was always very supportive. My family and friends have been there for me even more than ever since I lost my mom.
“In some ways, my friends have become my parents in the way they treat me, giving me guidance and advice. Likewise, with my family, and I appreciate it”, he told the Kaizer Chiefs’ media team.
As the highly anticipated Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs approaches this weekend, the question is whether or not Duba has played himself into a starting role at the FNB Stadium, known as the Calabash.
With a seating capacity of 94 736, a run-on role would see coach Cavin Johnson putting his faith in Duba on the biggest stage in South African football, in the biggest game in South African football.
