Chiefs Regain Confidence Ahead of Soweto Derby After Duba’s Hat-Trick

Kaizer Chiefs have received a timely boost ahead of the highly anticipated Soweto Derby after producing an impressive 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy in the Carling Knockout Cup. The result was inspired by a sensational hat-trick from Wandile Duba, giving Amakhosi renewed confidence as they prepare to face arch-rivals Orlando Pirates.

The victory ended Chiefs’ frustrating run of four matches without a win and secured their place in the Carling Knockout quarter-finals. It also provided a welcome response following their disappointing elimination from the CAF Confederation Cup against Zambia’s Red Arrows.

However, head coach Fernando da Cruz has remained measured in his assessment of the performance, insisting that the result should not overshadow the areas his team still needs to improve.

Duba emerged as the standout performer, scoring all three goals in the second half. After a goalless opening period, the young forward broke the deadlock in the 48th minute, finishing a low cross from Pule Mmodi to put Chiefs ahead.

He doubled the advantage after reacting quickest to a rebound when Mfundo Vilakazi’s penalty struck the post following a save by TS Galaxy goalkeeper Melusi Mathebula. Duba then completed his hat-trick with a composed finish after being played through by Mduduzi Shabalala.

The three goals settled the contest and gave the home supporters something to celebrate after a difficult spell for the Soweto giants.

Despite the convincing scoreline, Da Cruz acknowledged that efficiency in front of goal had been missing from several previous performances. According to the coach, Chiefs had sometimes played better football without securing the results their efforts deserved.

“The difference is efficiency. Sometimes we made a better game and we didn't win,” Da Cruz explained, highlighting the importance of turning opportunities into goals.

The Frenchman also made it clear that the victory would not change his approach to the team. Instead, he wants his players to maintain their belief in the club’s playing model while continuing to improve their decision-making and finishing.

“We’re having confidence in our model game,” he said, expressing his belief that the team can build on the positive result against TS Galaxy. He also confirmed that preparations for Saturday’s fixture would focus on recovery and getting the team ready for the challenge ahead.

The Soweto Derby presents a much bigger test for Chiefs, with Orlando Pirates also coming into the weekend after a convincing Carling Knockout victory. The Buccaneers defeated Milford FC 3-0, setting the stage for an intriguing encounter between the two rivals.

For Chiefs, the immediate objective will be to carry Duba’s goalscoring form into the derby while showing greater consistency across the full 90 minutes. The coaching staff will also need to ensure that the players remain focused and avoid allowing the pressure surrounding the fixture to affect their performance.

Although one cup victory cannot erase the disappointment of their recent continental exit, it gives Amakhosi an opportunity to approach the derby with renewed belief.

Chiefs supporters will hope the performance marks the beginning of a more productive spell rather than an isolated result. With Pirates standing in their way, Da Cruz and his players now have the opportunity to demonstrate whether their improvement against TS Galaxy can translate into another important result.

The Soweto Derby remains one of the biggest fixtures on the South African football calendar, and Chiefs will be determined to use their latest victory as a foundation for a strong performance against their fiercest rivals.

Source https://x.com/Soccer_Laduma/status/2115327226946134267?a=zVic7ZvcRYvMBMg4hfg&s=19