Many Kaizer Chiefs supporters have turned on striker Ashley Du Preez following the club’s 2-1 defeat to Stellenbosch FC on Tuesday evening.
The 28-year-old forward missed a gilt-edged chance against his former side, a moment many believe proved decisive as Amakhosi dropped crucial points.
Du Preez has struggled for consistent game time this season, but when called upon, he has failed to convert several clear opportunities, frustrating sections of the fanbase.
With his contract set to expire at the end of the campaign, speculation over his future has intensified, and some supporters feel his time at Naturena may be coming to an end.
Former Chiefs winger and now outspoken analyst Junior Khanye criticised Du Preez while also defending the club’s co-coaches, insisting players must shoulder responsibility for poor performances.
“Players at Kaizer Chiefs also need to take responsibility. I mean there are mistakes that they make like that ball [Ashley] Du Preez missed. You can’t play for Chiefs and always want to point fingers at the coach,” Khanye said.
Khanye went further, questioning the legitimacy of Chiefs’ recent mini-revival, claiming their three consecutive league wins flattered to deceive.
“When you win ugly, you’ll lose games in a row. Kaizer Chiefs games when they were winning 1-0, 1-0 and 1-0, to me it was not convincing,” he added.
Chiefs fans want Du Preez out
“A team that plays against Kaizer Chiefs is not scared. If you play against players at Kaizer Chiefs, I don’t think you can be scared.”
Supporters took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to vent their frustration.
“This miss looks deliberate to me. I don’t want to see Ashley Du Preez in my team anymore. He must just go where he wants to play,” @Vhakhonimajor wrote.
“People must stop defending mediocrity. Ashley Du Preez is a pro footballer who fails dismally at executing the most basic football skills. Chiefs is a big team, you can’t just be good at running, we need more,” @terrylepsz38 added.
However, not all fans were quick to condemn the striker.
“Du Preez literally won us the Nedbank Cup, was not used this season as much as one would expect. In this game denied a goal for offside and a miss that has its own explanation as to the possibility of missing. A professional yes, but games are not the same, he played his heart,” @Naphtallyjack posted.
With pressure mounting and his contract situation unresolved, Du Preez faces a pivotal few months as Chiefs look to steady their season and restore belief among their demanding supporters.
