Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has hailed Wandile Duba’s performances in the Carling Knockout Cup, backing the striker for a nod in the Bafana Bafana squad.

Duba scored a decisive hat-trick as Chiefs claimed a convincing 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy in the Last 16 of the Carling Cup at FNB Stadium on Tuesday night.

The Chiefs development graduate scored all his three goals in the second half ending the club’s recent slump which saw them also crash out of the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round with 3-2 defeat against Red Arrows of Zambia on penalties.

Amakhosi joined teams such as Golden Arrows, Siwelele FC, Sekhukhune United, and AmaZulu FC in the quarter-final. Meanwhile, rivals Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns also booked their place in the last eight of the competition with wins against Milford FC and Marumo Gallants respectively.

After powering Chiefs to the next round of the CKO, Duba earned high praise from the French coach, who says the 22-year-old could be called up for Pitso Mosimane’s Bafana team if he remains consistent.

WANDILE DUBA URGED TO MAINTAIN CONSISTENCY

“He is young and a very good player. He’s able to drop and make deep runs, and he’s very good in front of goal,” Da Cruz said, speaking after Chiefs’ impressive win.

“But he must continue to work and listen to the coach, and maybe if he continues to work hard, he can become a player for Bafana Bafana.”

Duba has had a promising start to the 2026/27 season after featuring in seven matches across all competitions and scoring six goals. After his impressive performance, Duba walked away R100 000 after being named the Champion Player of the Match that is voted for by fans.

The pace forward will be looking to maintain his scoring run when Chiefs face Orlando Pirates in the mouth-watering Soweto derby clash in the Betway Premiership this coming weekend.

Chiefs and Pirates are heading into the derby match high in confidence, having claimed wins in their respective matches by a three-goal margin.

Meanwhile, Chiefs coach Da Cruz has faced heavy criticism in the past few matches for deploying a defensive set-up that has left the Naturena-based side without the necessary spark in attack.

Before winning against Galaxy, Da Cruz was winless at Chiefs in the past five matches in all competitions. Following the unpleasant run, fans started calling for the sacking of the 54-year-old mentor; however, the club’s sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jr has declared his full support for the coach and his technical team in a statement on Saturday.