Kaizer Chiefs defender Zitha Kwinika has sent a heartfelt message to teammate Ashley Du Preez, who has come under fire following heavy social media criticism.
Du Preez faced criticism after returning to the Chiefs’ starting line-up in their 2-1 defeat against Stellenbosch FC in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday at FNB Stadium.
Amakhosi suffered their second successive defeat in all competitions, losing 2-1 to Egyptian giants Zamalek SC in the final match of the CAF Confederation Cup group stages.
Ultimately, Chiefs’ CAF Confed Cup campaign ended in heartbreak as they finished third in Group D. Despite a valiant effort, Amakhosi were edged out on goal difference by Egyptian giants Zamalek and Al Masry, who secured the top two spots to progress to the knockout stages.
CRITICISM MOUNTS FOR ASHLEY DU PREEZ AFTER GLARING MISS IN STELLIES DEFEAT
The continental disappointment translated into domestic frustration during a crucial Premiership clash against Stellenbosch FC. Playing in front of their home supporters, Chiefs were quick to stamp their authority, controlling the tempo and carving out the lion’s share of scoring opportunities. However, the Naturena-based side was plagued by profligacy in the final third, failing to capitalise on several gilt-edged chances that could have put the game out of reach for the visitors.
The most glaring miss of the first half fell to Du Preez. After cleverly looping the ball over an onrushing Sage Stephens, the attacker failed to steer his effort into the unguarded net. The squandered opportunity triggered a wave of criticism across social media, with fans voicing their mounting frustration over the 28-year-old’s lack of clinical edge.
Du Preez, who recently returned to the matchday squad following a lengthy injury layoff, has struggled to find his rhythm this season. In nine appearances across all competitions, the forward is yet to open his scoring account, contributing just a single assist—a far cry from the sharp-shooting form expected of Chiefs’ frontline.
In the first round of the 2025/26 season, Du Preez had many other scoring opportunities that could have decided the outcome of the matches, but he struggled to hit the back of the net.
WHAT KWINIKA SAID TO DU PREEZ AFTER SOCIAL MEDIA CRITICISM
With Du Preez searching for his first goal of the season, Kwinika told the pacey forward not to doubt himself and to remember he’s good enough, hence he’s playing for Chiefs.
“Can I be honest with you? With the person I am and my leadership style, I would just tell him: ‘Ashley, you know you are good enough. You didn’t arrive here at Chiefs by luck. These things happen in football, and when the next opportunity comes, you will score—and we’ll be right there at the corner flag celebrating with you,’” Kwinika told FARPost at the Soweto Derby presser on Thursday in Nasrec.
Du Preez will be desperate to snap his scoring drought when Kaizer Chiefs lock horns with bitter rivals Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby this Saturday. Kick-off at the FNB Stadium is scheduled for 15:30 CAT.
Now in his fourth season at Naturena, the 28-year-old arrived from Stellenbosch FC in 2022 as a marquee signing. During his three-year tenure with the Glamour Boys, the lightning-fast forward has so far netted 19 goals and provided nine assists in 93 appearances across all competitions.
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