Duba defiant as Chiefs striker shrugs off criticism and death threats

WANDILE Duba always wears his heart on his sleeve whenever he takes the field for Kaizer Chiefs something that has made him both a hero and a villain at the same time.

- MIHLALI BALEKA

Duba burst onto the professional scene at the Glamour Boys two seasons ago, scoring a peach of a goal on debut against Golden Arrows in the league. The 21-year-old showed his bravery in the post-match press conference, warning rivals Orlando Pirates that he was coming for them in the next game. Alas, he didn’t start the game. But it was clear that Duba was fearless despite his tender age.

Last season, he was back at it. He scored the equaliser in the 2-1 win over Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup semifinal and walked away with the Player of the Match award.

In his pre-match media duties, he showed his confident side again, declaring: “Niyothi ngasho ukuthi iNedbank Cup siyayithatha” (You'll remember my words: we are taking the Nedbank Cup). His words came true as Chiefs won the competition, beating rivals Pirates in the final to end their 10-year drought.