Cavin Johnson, the interim coach of the Kaizer Chiefs, discusses teen phenom Wandile Duba’s readiness to play the Orlando Pirates.
The two storied Soweto teams will square off in a Premier Soccer League match on Saturday afternoon at FNB Stadium for the momentous 180th time.
After Duba’s inspirational performance against Golden Arrows on Tuesday, when he scored the game’s lone goal in his first start of the year, Amakhosi enter the encounter in high spirits.
His incredible goal was more than just a single accomplishment for him; it was his first in the Premier League, it ended Chief’s 2024 goal drought, and it secured the team’s first victory in three games overall.
Duba, who advanced through the development program’s tiers, was last seen playing for Amakhosi’s senior team in May 2023.
The footballer recently talked about his struggles, including adjusting to the death of his mother, who served as his primary inspiration. Duba also expressed his gratitude to the players and interim coach Cavin Johnson for their support throughout his return to the team.
Now, the teenager is about to reach yet another important personal milestone: participating in the Soweto Derby.
Johnson told the journalists, “[Wandile Duba] He’s probably been preparing for this [opportunity] for the last three years.”
He has been psychologically readying himself to play for Kaizer Chiefs on his own as well as for a [Soweto] Derby. He has been getting ready to score goals in the Diski Challenge.
“If he has the chance to play in the derby and score a goal, what better time for him? Then, in terms of football, he will just be solidifying his position,” he said.
DUBA & CHIEFS’ FUTURE STATEMENTS?
When the Chiefs play the Sea Robbers on Saturday, Duba will be trying to lead the offensive line. The Buccaneers are now in first position with 30 points from their 19 league games, while the Glamour Boys are currently in sixth place with 29 points from 19 games.
This means that their 180th derby will be an exciting match as both clubs compete to move up the rankings in an effort to finish in second place and earn a position in the Caf Champions League.