Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has discussed the problem they are managing with Wandile Duba, who was crucial in their Nedbank Cup final qualification.
Amakhosi overcame Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 in a thrilling semi-final at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday, keeping their chances of winning a trophy this season alive after a nine-year dry spell.
Having publicly vowed to bring the Nedbank Cup trophy to Naturena, Duba delivered in the semi-final by scoring the equaliser, responding to Teboho Mokoena’s first-half opener.
Ashley Du Preez’s late strike sealed the Phefeni Glamour Boys’ place in the final against Orlando Pirates, a highly anticipated Soweto Derby set for 10 May at thd Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
Nabi was whether Wandile Duba was prepared to step up as Chiefs’ main striker next season. In his answer the Tunisian tactician lauded Duba’s quality. However, he pointed out the player’s mental readiness as a concern, especially in games with significant fan presence.
NASREDDINE NABI REVEALS ISSUE THEY ARE MANAGING ON WANDILE DUBA
“Regarding Duba, I think he has a lot of quality, physical quality and technical quality,” said Nabi.
“The only problem that we always work on with him is the mental problem. You know a young player when he starts to play in front of a lot of fans like Chiefs fans. So, always he’s not 100% ready mentally.
“For that, we’re trying to work on it. We think he had to make a lot of progress from last season and he can make [more progress] if he gives us solutions as a first or second striker next season.”
Since his promotion to the senior team in the 2022/23 season, Duba has racked up 35 appearances in all competitions, scoring seven goals and registering three assists in the colours of Gold and Black.
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