Wandile Duba Makes Kaizer Chiefs History As Youngster Joins Exclusive List Of Amakhosi Legends

Kaizer Chiefs youngster Wandile Duba has written his name into the club's history books after achieving an impressive milestone with his outstanding performance against TS Galaxy in the Carling Knockout Cup.

The 22-year-old forward became the 24th player to score a hat-trick for Amakhosi since the 1996/97 season, joining an exclusive group of players who have produced memorable goal-scoring performances in the famous black and gold jersey.

Duba achieved the milestone on Tuesday evening when Chiefs registered a convincing 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy in their Carling Knockout Cup Round of 16 encounter at FNB Stadium. His brilliant second-half performance proved decisive as the Soweto giants secured their place in the quarter-finals.

After a goalless opening half, Duba broke the deadlock in the 48th minute, finishing a well-worked move involving Mduduzi Shabalala and Pule Mmodi.

He then doubled Chiefs' advantage in the 62nd minute after Mfundo Vilakazi saw his penalty saved by TS Galaxy goalkeeper Melusi Mathebula. Duba reacted quickest to the rebound and found the back of the net.

Just four minutes later, the young striker completed his hat-trick with an excellent finish after receiving a perfectly timed through ball from Rushwin Dortley. His third goal put the result beyond doubt and confirmed one of his finest performances in a Chiefs shirt.

According to the club's historical records, Duba is the first Kaizer Chiefs player to score a hat-trick in the Carling Knockout Cup during the Premier Soccer League era. He is also the first Amakhosi player to achieve the feat since Caleb Bimenyimana scored three penalties against Stellenbosch FC in 2022.

The achievement places Duba alongside some of the club's memorable goal-scoring figures, including Pollen Ndlanya, Collins Mbesuma, John 'Shoes' Moshoeu, Bernard Parker and Khama Billiat.

Interestingly, Ndlanya holds the record for the most hat-tricks by a Chiefs player in the PSL era, having scored four, while the legendary Ace Ntsoelengoe leads the club's overall historical records with 14 hat-tricks in all competitions.

Beyond the individual milestone, Duba's performance arrived at an important moment for Fernando Da Cruz's side, who needed a positive response following their disappointing CAF Confederation Cup exit against Red Arrows.

The victory also provides Amakhosi with valuable confidence ahead of their highly anticipated Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates.

For Duba, joining such an illustrious group represents an important step in his development. With his finishing ability and growing confidence, the young forward will hope to maintain his form and become an increasingly important figure in the Chiefs attack.

He has now given the Amakhosi faithful another reason to believe that an exciting future could be ahead of him.

Source https://x.com/iDiskiTimes/status/2116453261301485938?a=MUxIF0IprA4JiY2XB-M&s=19