Chiefs Hit By Blow Ahead of Soweto Derby

Kaizer Chiefs has suffered a significant setback as their striker, Wandile Duba, will be unavailable for the upcoming Soweto Derby this weekend.

Duba incurred his fourth yellow card during their recent 2-1 defeat against Marumo Gallants in the Betway Premiership match held at FNB Stadium on Saturday. He entered the game carrying three yellow cards and received the fourth in the 45th minute.

This suspension presents a challenge for Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi, as Duba is currently the club’s leading scorer in the league this season with five goals.

Ashley du Preez is expected to lead the attack in the highly anticipated match. Du Preez was unlucky not to score against Gallants when Duba’s shot, destined for the goal, rebounded off the post in the second half.

While Duba will be absent for this weekend’s Derby, he will be eligible to play in the subsequent Derby the following weekend. The two Soweto rivals are set to clash again in the Nedbank Cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 10 May.

Despite Duba’s absence for this weekend’s league Derby, Chiefs will receive a boost with the return of Gaston Sirino and Pule Mmodi. After accumulating four yellow cards each, the pair were suspended for the Gallants match.

The recovery timeline for Rushwin Dortley remains uncertain. He has been sidelined with an injury since the league match against Mamelodi Sundowns in March.

Chiefs’ loss to Gallants saw a makeshift defense, with Bradley Cross partnering Zitha Kwinika. Given Msimango was also unavailable due to injury, requiring coach Nabi to adjust his lineup.

Inacio Miguel, who has captained the club this season, was left on the bench as he had accumulated three yellow cards. Starting him carried the risk of him receiving another caution, which, like Duba, would have ruled him out of this weekend’s Derby.