Duba: We Have High Hopes To Win The League
Kaizer Chiefs striker Wandile Duba says the team has high hopes of finally winning the Betway Premiership, a title that has eluded them for the past 10 years.
Chiefs have started the season on a strong note, sitting joint-top of the Betway Premiership with 13 points after five matches. While they share the top spot with Sekhukhune United, who have a better goal difference, the Amakhosi are yet to concede a goal this season.
This impressive defensive record has raised hopes among fans that the team can finally win the league.
Last season, when many had counted them out, Chiefs won the Nedbank Cup, defeating key rivals Stellenbosch, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Orlando Pirates along the way.
While those three teams, who have been in the top three for the past two seasons, have had a slower start, Chiefs have exceeded expectations, creating a sense of excitement and optimism.
“We only started last season wanting to win the league,” said Duba. “But this season, we have started very well. There are high hopes; we believe in ourselves more than in any other season.”
This is the first time in the PSL era that Chiefs have started a season without conceding a goal in five matches, but they are expected to face challenges, especially with their participation in the CAF Confederations Cup.
Sundowns, who have dominated the league for eight years and regularly go deep in the CAF Champions League, are expected to bounce back, as are Pirates, who have won their last four matches.
However, Chiefs have momentum on their side and have strengthened their squad with smart signings during the transfer window.
The team came close to winning the league in the 2019/20 season, but they lost their lead in the final match, allowing Sundowns to clinch the title. It was a painful end for the Amakhosi, who had led the standings for most of the season.
Duba credits the team’s strong start to their preseason trip to the Netherlands, where players came together to discuss their goals.
“I think, in the Netherlands, the day before coming back, we had a chat as players and coaches. We sat down, and we set targets for ourselves,” Duba explained.
“The players are more together than in other seasons.”
Following the FIFA break, the Chiefs will face their first major test when they host Sekhukhune at FNB Stadium on 16 September.
