Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz has expressed confidence in his young striker Wandile Duba, suggesting he has the potential to play for Bafana Bafana in the near future. Duba, 22, has made a significant impact for Amakhosi this season, scoring six goals in eight games across all domestic competitions. Da Cruz believes Duba's ability to drop back and make deep runs, as well as his skill in front of the goal, make him a promising talent.
Despite Duba's impressive form, he missed a significant chance in the first half of Saturday's Soweto derby against Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium, which Pirates won 2-1. However, Duba had previously scored his first career hat-trick in a 3-0 win over TS Galaxy in the Carling Knockout at the same venue just four days earlier. Da Cruz acknowledged that Duba, like many young players, has his ups and downs, but emphasized the importance of consistency and hard work.
Da Cruz's praise for Duba comes at a time when Kaizer Chiefs have struggled to have players in the national team in recent times. Currently, only Lebohang Maboe, a Chiefs player, is part of the preliminary Bafana squad for the upcoming Afcon qualifiers against Kenya. Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane is expected to announce his final squad for the Kenya double fixture before the end of the week.
Bafana Bafana are top of Group D in the Afcon qualifiers, having won their two opening matches against Guinea and Eritrea during the last Fifa window. The team will host Kenya at Orlando Amstel Arena on November 13, before facing them again in Nairobi four days later. A strong performance in these qualifiers could secure their spot in the next year's Afcon in Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya.
Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs are expected to conclude the signing of free agent and Bafana international Elias Mokwana in the coming days. Mokwana, 27, has been without a club since leaving Tunisian side Esperance in September. His addition to the team could provide further depth and experience to the squad.
Da Cruz's comments on Duba's potential have raised expectations among fans, who will be eager to see if the young striker can translate his club form into international success. With Bafana Bafana's final squad announcement imminent, football enthusiasts will be watching closely to see if Duba and Mokwana make the cut.
As Kaizer Chiefs continue to navigate their season, the team's focus will be on achieving consistent results and developing their young players. With Duba's promising form and Mokwana's potential signing, Amakhosi may yet see an increase in representation in the national team in the near future.
Key points
- - Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz tips Wandile Duba for a future Bafana Bafana call-up. - Duba has scored six goals in eight games across all domestic competitions this season. - Bafana Bafana are top of Group D in the Afcon qualifiers, with their next matches against Kenya on November 13 and 17.
