Wandile Duba eager to reignite scoring form ahead of AmaZulu clash

Kaizer Chiefs striker Wandile Duba is determined to rediscover his scoring touch as Amakhosi prepare to host AmaZulu at FNB Stadium on Wednesday night.

Chiefs began the season brightly and looked to be genuine title contenders, but their ambitions took a knock with a first defeat of the campaign against Sekhukhune United. That result left them in fifth place on the Betway Premiership table, and they will now be looking to bounce back quickly.

For Duba, the clash against Usuthu offers an opportunity to reassert himself in a side where competition for places has intensified. The 21-year-old academy graduate has endured a frustrating start, going five matches without a goal and registering just one assist. 

After being trusted to lead the line in the early weeks, he has since fallen behind Flavio da Silva, Ashley Du Preez and new arrival Khanyisa Mayo.

The young striker admitted his barren run has cost him his spot in the starting XI, but insists he is determined to fight his way back.

“I didn’t start my season very well and that’s why the coach ended up taking me out of the team because I wasn’t giving him what he wanted, so I’m still working on myself and getting better and getting back into the starting 11,” Duba said.

“I think every coach needs a striker that scores in his team and Flavio and Mayo have come in and scored, and I wasn’t doing that. Even though tactically I wasn’t doing anything wrong, it’s just a matter of me finding the back of the net.”

Duba also acknowledged the pressure that comes with playing for Chiefs, especially in a role as scrutinised as leading the attack.

“As a Kaizer Chiefs player, there’s always pressure and you have to play under that pressure. Being a Chiefs striker is heavy and if you don’t score for two games, it’s a big issue. You know how our fans are — if you don’t score, you’re out.”

AmaZulu arrive in Soweto eager to bounce back from defeat in their previous outing, and Duba expects a stern test from the Durban outfit.

“Every team that plays against Chiefs always gives their best and it’s not going to be an easy game. Despite the fact that they lost their last game, they’ll definitely want to win,” he added.

With Chiefs looking to recover from their Sekhukhune setback, the visit of Usuthu could prove pivotal — both for Amakhosi’s ambitions and for Duba’s hopes of forcing his way back into the reckoning.