Kaizer Chiefs striker Wandile Duba has disclosed details of coach Nasreddine Nabi’s tactical instructions to Amakhosi players, specifically targeting Mamelodi Sundowns defender Lucas Suarez.
Under intense scrutiny following a string of poor performances, Suarez endured a nightmare outing as Chiefs ruthlessly exploited his error, securing a decisive 2-1 semi-final victory over Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup at a packed Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday evening.
Suarez struggled throughout the game, committing a massive defensive error that directly led to Amakhosi’s equalizer. Duba intercepted his errant pass intended for Teboho Mokoena, allowing him to run clear and score past Ronwen Williams in the 57th minute. This pivotal moment fueled Amakhosi’s comeback, sealing their spot in the final against arch-rivals Orlando Pirates.
Sundowns had taken the lead just before halftime, with Bafana Bafana international Mokoena scoring a stunning free-kick from the edge of the box. However, Chiefs rallied, with substitute Ashley Du Preez netting the winner with an 88th-minute tap-in, following a cross from Mduduzi Shabalala, sending the Soweto giants to the final to be played at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday, 10 May 2025.
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Duba, who walked away with the Man of the Match award, revealed that Nabi’s tactical instructions were pivotal in their victory against Sundowns.
Nabi emphasised the need for disciplined patience, acknowledging Sundowns’ effective build-up play. Crucially, Nabi identified a specific vulnerability in Sundowns’ left centre-back, Suarez.
According to Duba, the Amakhosi coach noted Suarez’s propensity for errors when distributing the ball. As a result, Nabi instructed his troops to implement a strategic trap, forcing Suarez to play the ball centrally.
“He [Nabi] told us not to rush them [Sundowns],” said Duba, speaking in IsiZulu during a post-match interview on SuperSport TV. “We all know that Sundowns is good when it comes to build-up play, so the coach said we should wait for moments where we can capitalise, like my goal. He did say that their left centre-back [Suarez] makes many mistakes.
“Coach said we should make a trap and close him down in a way that will force him to make an inward pass like he did, which ultimately resulted in my goal-scoring opportunity.
“Yes [the coach said we should target Suarez]. Since the start of the week, he said our target is the left centre-back.
The Argentine centre-back arrived at Sundowns during the January transfer window on loan from Club Atletico Talleres, an Argentine Primera Division side.
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