Wandile Duba dazzles in first start, but Cavin Johnson seeks measured approach
Kaizer Chiefs teenage striker Wandile Duba announced himself on the big stage with a goal in his first professional start for the club, but his coach, Cavin Johnson, has urged caution.
Duba’s wonder strike secured the first victory of 2024 as Chiefs beat visiting Golden Arrows 1-0 at FNB Stadium in a DStv Premiership game on Tuesday.
The confident forward impressed not only with his goal-scoring but also with his post-match comments, hinting at his readiness for Saturday’s Soweto Derby.
The Amakhosi academy graduate picked up a knock during the match and was substituted in the second half. However, he downplayed any concerns, assuring fans that he would be back for the tie against Orlando Pirates.
“It’s not something to worry about. I’ll be okay for the derby,” he told SuperSport TV. He went on to declare his intentions for the much-anticipated clash. “They [Orlando Pirates] should expect me because I’m coming.”
CAVIN JOHNSON CALLS FOR MEASURED APPROACH ON WANDILE DUBA
Meanwhile, Johnson cautioned against getting ahead of himself when discussing the 19-year-old. While Johnson acknowledged the player’s potential, he emphasised the importance of long-term development.
“To judge him on one game would be premature. But to judge him on training sessions and the mentality and attitude he’s had at training, then he probably has a long way to go with Kaizer Chiefs,” Johnson told journalists.
He stressed the need for continued hard work and a humble attitude. “He just has to keep on working hard and accept that he won’t always start. If he stays humble, he will be a good striker.”
The former Al Ahly assistant coach also praised the overall performance of the team in the first half.
“What a game of football! I thought we played well in the first half. To get a goal from a 19-year-old who’s knocking on the door for a while now is a positive sign. We have 30 players in our team, and all 30 players are capable of starting games.”
On the other hand, Duba revealed the coaching staff’s belief in him played a part in his performance. “They told me if I believed in myself, I would score because I’ve been working hard in training,” he shared.
The youngster even drew inspiration from a recent performance, stating, “Did you see Foden in the Manchester derby? Did you see what he did? He got inside and scored.”
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