Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi has given his honest take on Wandile Duba’s absence from the Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates on Saturday.
Amakhosi suffered a 2-1 defeat against their bitter rivals, Pirates, in the Betway Premiership at a sold-out FNB Stadium in Soweto. The defeat saw Chiefs fail to claim the derby bragging rights this season they also lost in the first round of the 2024/24 campaign to Pirates by a score of 1-0.
Chiefs are on an unwanted winless streak after seven matches without collecting maximum points. They played three draws against Cape Town City FC, TS Galaxy, and Chippa United and lost against Golden Arrows, Richards Bay FC, Marumo Gallants, and Pirates.
The Naturena-based side came to the mouth-watering clash against the Buccaneers, missing the services of key attacker Duba.
In the derby match, Duba was serving a one-match suspension after accumulating his fourth yellow card of the season in Chiefs’ previous match against Gallants.
The 20-year-old striker has scored six goals and provided three assists in his 23 appearances in all competitions for Chiefs.
Duba, who is the club’s top scorer this season has been leading Chiefs’ striking department ahead of experienced teammates such as Ranga Chivaviro and Tashreeq Morris.
NASREDDINE NABI OPENS UP ON THE ABSENCE OF DUBA
Nabi has opened up on the impact of not having Duba in the matchday squad against Pirates, revealing that they were lacking in attack.
“It’s true that Duba has been a player who is very important to our system. But those who played [against Pirates] showcased themselves,” said the Tunisian tactician.
“They showed that they are capable of doing the job, but at the end it’s true that when you are missing a player like Duba, offensively you are lacking.”
Meanwhile, the Chiefs development graduate was also instrumental when his side beat Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 in the Nedbank Cup semi-final last month, finding the back of the net.
Chiefs will face Pirates in the final of the Nedbank Cup at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on the 10th of May. Kickoff is at 15:30.
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