Kaizer Chiefs winger Mfundo Vilakazi has lifted the lid on how Wandile Duba’s formidable mentality and work ethic are inspiring the squad’s rising stars in the Amakhosi dressing room.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Thursday ahead of the highly anticipated first Soweto Derby of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season against arch-rivals Orlando Pirates, Vilakazi hailed Duba’s growing influence within the squad.
The talented 22-year-old forward is coming off a sensational second-half hat-trick that propelled Chiefs into the quarter-finals of the Carling Knockout Cup. Duba netted all three goals in a commanding 3–0 victory over TS Galaxy at the FNB Stadium on Tuesday night, booking Amakhosi a Last 8 date with Siwelele FC.
That convincing win over the Rockets has revitalised the club’s demanding faithful ahead of Saturday’s massive showdown against the Buccaneers. Kick-off is set for 15:30 CAT.
With Duba aiming to carry his red-hot form into the derby, Vilakazi praised his teammate’s relentless fighting spirit and leadership among the squad’s younger contingent.
‘HE TELLS US NOT TO BE AFRAID OF ANYONE’: MFUNDO VILAKAZI ON WANDILE DUBA’S IMPACT
“Duba has a very strong mentality. Before games, he’s the one who says, ‘You can see we are young, but we are the ones who have to help the team and not be afraid of anyone’,” Vilakazi said.
“He always says on the pitch we are equal; I’m sure even you guys can see how his goals come. He always fights for his goals; it’s not easy goals or tap-ins, he works for his goals.”
Duba has been in lethal form this campaign, registering six goals in seven appearances across all competitions for the Glamour Boys. His work rate and never-say-die attitude have seen him rapidly emerge as an influential figure both on and off the pitch.
Since earning his promotion to the senior setup during the 2022/23 season, Duba has racked up 67 appearances for Chiefs, contributing 15 goals and five assists. He also played a key role in Amakhosi’s 2025 Nedbank Cup triumph under former head coach Nasreddine Nabi, where Chiefs famously defeated Pirates in the final.
Meanwhile, Chiefs are gunning for a win in a mouth-watering clash against Pirates. The Naturena-based side enter the encounter sitting fifth on the league table with 14 points, having won three games and drawn five in eight matches.
On the other hand, Pirates, who are the defending league champions, occupy the second spot on the log with 22 points after registering seven wins and one draw in eight games.
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