Is Du Preez a victim?

On 30 May 2022, Kaizer Chiefs broke the bank to acquire Ashley Du Preez from Stellenbosch FC. At the time, the speed merchant was 24 years old and had just destroyed champions Mamelodi Sundowns with a brace for Stellies in a 3-0 win at Loftus Stadium. Amakhosi were

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getting someone with a very specific and rare skill set — speed. However, now in his foufrth season at Naturena, the reported R10 million fee has arguably not really been justified. With a busy transfer window in terms of forwards arriving at Chiefs, Du Preez’s competition for a place is tougher than ever. Is there evidence that coach Nasreddine Nabi sees Du Preez as a main piece of his puzzle? What does the game time say since the Tunisian-Belgian coach was appointed? Can the CAF Confederation Cup be the catalyst for Du Preez to truly justify his price tag? Or will the attacker find himself on the fringes this season, playing less than half the minutes on offer? Soccer Laduma investigates.

Is CAF made for Du Preez?

As mentioned, Chiefs only played 35 matches in the entirety of last season. This campaign will see 30 league matches, potentially 10 or more CAF Confederation Cup matches (if Chiefs negotiate two preliminary rounds to reach the Group Stages), plus the Carling Knockout and Nedbank Cup. Amakhosi could therefore play closer to 45 matches this term as an estimate.

This represents a chance for additional outings for Du Preez, plus potentially a type of football which should suit him. Whilst many clubs sign physical players for continental action, it is often the speedy forwards who get a lot of joy and really cause headaches for slower North or West African opponents.

Kabuscorp Sport Clube do Palanca of Angola may not be that well equipped to deal with Du Preez’s runs into space. We also know that the fields can be hit-and-miss in terms of playing surface quality, so a more percentage style which utilises Du Preez’s gifts could be a match made in heaven.