Wandile Duba played a pivotal role in ending Kaizer Chiefs’ long trophy drought, helping the club lift the Nedbank Cup last year.
It was Amakhosi’s first major piece of silverware in a decade, sparking celebrations among supporters across the country.
Duba was one of the standout performers during that cup run, announcing himself as one of the club’s brightest young talents.
The 21-year-old forward burst onto the scene in the 2023/24 season, having earned promotion from the DStv Diski Challenge. His pace and directness quickly made him a handful for defenders.
Under Nasreddine Nabi, Duba started the 2024/25 campaign in fine form. He scored four goals in his first eight matches and looked set to become a key figure in Chiefs’ attack.
Duba gave Kaizer Chiefs the Nedbank Cup
One of his early highlights came when he netted a superb winner in a 1-0 victory over Lamontville Golden Arrows, underlining his potential.
Duba’s defining moment came in the Nedbank Cup semi-final against Mamelodi Sundowns, where he delivered a Man of the Match performance.
Before that clash, the young attacker boldly promised fans that Chiefs would end their long wait for silverware and he delivered.
Amakhosi went on to defeat arch-rivals Orlando Pirates in the final, with Duba playing his part in a historic triumph.
What went wrong for Duba?
After showing so much promise, Duba’s form has dipped significantly.
While he showed flashes of brilliance last season, his performances were often inconsistent. Still, a lack of depth in attack ensured he received regular game time.
This season, the situation has changed dramatically. Chiefs bolstered their attacking options with the arrivals of Asanele Velebayi, Khanyisa Mayo, Etiosa Ighodaro and Flavio Silva. The increased competition has limited Duba’s opportunities, both as a striker and out wide.
Duba yet to score for Kaizer Chiefs this season
So far, he has featured in just 15 matches across all competitions without finding the back of the net.
Duba remains one of Chiefs’ most exciting young prospects, but his current struggles raise important questions.
At just 21, time is still on his side but he will need to rediscover the form that once made him one of the most feared attackers in the Amakhosi setup.
If he does, Chiefs could once again have a game-changer on their hands.
