Kaizer Chiefs encounters a major setback as striker Wandile Duba will be absent from the upcoming Soweto Derby this weekend.
Duba received his fourth yellow card during the recent 2-1 loss against Marumo Gallants in a Betway Premiership match at FNB Stadium on Saturday. He started the game with three yellow cards and was booked once more in the 45th minute.
This suspension poses challenges for Chiefs’ coach Nasreddine Nabi, as Duba has become the club’s top scorer in the league this season with five goals.
Ashley du Preez is anticipated to spearhead the attack in this eagerly awaited match. Du Preez narrowly missed scoring against Gallants when Duba’s shot, destined for the goal, hit the post in the second half.
While Duba will not participate in this weekend’s Derby, he will be available for the following match next weekend. The two Soweto rivals are set to clash again in the Nedbank Cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 10 May.
Despite Duba’s absence for this weekend’s league Derby, Chiefs will gain the advantage of having Gaston Sirino and Pule Mmodi back, both of whom were suspended for the Gallants match after accumulating four yellow cards each.
The recovery status of Rushwin Dortley remains unclear. He has been out due to an injury sustained during the league match against Mamelodi Sundowns in March.
Chiefs’ defeat to Gallants featured a makeshift defense, with Bradley Cross partnering Zitha Kwinika. Coach Nabi had to adapt his lineup as Msimango was also unavailable due to injury.
Inacio Miguel, who has been the club captain this season, was left on the bench due to having accumulated three yellow cards. Starting him carried the risk of receiving another caution, which would rule him out of this weekend’s Derby, akin to Duba.
