Duba Inspired By Mofokeng’s Meteoric Rise
Kaizer Chiefs forward Wandile Duba has admired Orlando Pirates’ teenage sensation, Relebohile Mofokeng, whose meteoric rise in South African football has inspired many young players.
Duba, who struggled for game time last season, revealed that Mofokeng’s success motivated him and his peers to believe in their potential.
Duba, 20, made just eight appearances and netted a single goal during a tumultuous season for Chiefs, which was marred by managerial changes and poor results.
The Amakhosi endured one of their worst campaigns in history, suffering a crushing 5-1 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns and finishing 10th in the DStv Premiership— their lowest-ever league position.
In stark contrast, Mofokeng, 19, had a breakout season with Pirates, making 38 appearances, scoring five goals, and registering six assists.
His performances on the field captivated football fans across the country, earning him the affectionate nickname “President Yama 2k” among his young supporters. He was the star of the show when Pirates claimed their record third MTN8 trophy last Saturday against Stellenbosch, coming off the bench to set up the second goal before scoring his own to see Jose Riveiro’s side win 3-1.
When asked about Mofokeng’s impressive season, Duba openly expressed how it has inspired him to aim for a similar trajectory.
“It inspires us. It makes us believe that one day it could be us who do what he is doing,” said Duba.
However, Duba, who has already started three games this season under new coach Nareddine Nabi, was quick to distinguish his journey and that of Mofokeng.
He emphasized the different circumstances both players have faced.
“I don’t want to compare myself to Mofokeng. He is the player he is, and I’m the player I am,” Duba asserted.
Reflecting on last season’s difficulties, Duba pointed to the team’s inconsistent performances as a factor that hindered the development of Chiefs’ younger players. He also highlighted how the club’s managerial instability added to their challenges.
“I think it was because of how the team was performing. It was hard for us to show how talented we are. As for Rele, Pirates is cruising nicely; everything he does works well for him. Even the coaches were different; they kept changing, and that made things difficult for us,” Duba explained.
With Chiefs looking to rebuild under Nabi’s guidance, Duba hopes that this season will provide a platform for him and his young teammates to finally showcase their talent. As Mofokeng continues to shine at Pirates, Duba remains focused on forging his path and contributing to Chiefs’ resurgence.
