Kaze Praises Duba After Chiefs Goal Breaks Drought in Durban Win

The wait is finally over. For months, supporters holding their breath for a breakthrough from the younger generation saw it come through the net this past weekend. When Cedric Kaze, co-coach of Kaizer Chiefs, watched Wandile Duba slot home a decisive goal against Magesi FC at Moses Mabhida Stadium, the atmosphere in Durban shifted instantly. It was a 2-0 victory on Saturday that did more than just add points to the board; it signaled a turning point for the Glamour Boys.

This wasn't just another routine win. Duba, 21, had been struggling to find his rhythm despite being a talented prospect. With the team sitting fourth in the table, the pressure was mounting on the bench players to step up. The result moves Kaizer Chiefs to 36 points after 20 matches played in the Betway Premiership. That position puts them firmly in contention for the top three spots, which carry immense financial and prestige value for any South African club.

Tactical Shift Paying Dividends

Kaze didn't just pat Duba on the back; he explained exactly how the goal happened. It turns out the coaching staff had a plan all along, even when the player looked stuck in a rut. Traditionally, Duba has been viewed as a striker, but the technical team made a subtle adjustment. They dropped him off slightly deeper in the midfield transition areas.

Here’s the logic: by letting him drop back, opponents wouldn't press him as aggressively near the box. This created pockets of space for him to utilize his running speed. "The goal he netted aligns with our expectations," Kaze noted in a post-match interview reported by SABC Sports. "We believe that when he approaches from a deeper role, he can enter the box with more room to finish." It’s a classic example of modern football tactics applied to local talent. Sometimes you have to stop forcing a player into a mold that doesn't fit their best instincts.

Duba played 62 minutes before making way for substitute Mfundo Vilakazi. That duration gave him enough time to settle in without burning out, showing good management from the coaching staff regarding squad rotation. It wasn't just luck; it was positioning.

Building Confidence Across the Squad

There's always chatter about which players deserve a shot in these big sides. Often, young talents vanish into the background while veterans hold the fort. But this season, the approach seems different. Kaze emphasized that opportunities for players like Duba were critical for morale. In a statement to SuperSport TV, he pointed out the psychological aspect of returning to form.

"It's very important a player like Wandile Duba didn't get a lot of time playing and this is going to give him enough confidence to go forward," Kaze said. The sentiment resonates with fans who worry about depth. If the squad is too thin, injuries derail seasons. Having five or six players who can contribute means the team remains competitive even when the stars aren't firing. Duba had made 15 appearances prior to this match, recording one goal and one assist. His previous contribution suggests he's capable, but the drought had raised eyebrows among the die-hard base.

The Fight for the Top Three

The standings tell the real story of why this matters. Fourth place looks decent on paper, but the gap between third and tenth spot can be slim in the PSL. Every point counts. Before this match, concerns existed about whether the squad had the legs to maintain momentum. Now, two consecutive victories suggest the team is finding its rhythm again.

However, Kaze knows better than to let celebrations get out of hand. He warned against getting too excited just because they won twice in a row. "We consider ourselves technicians," he stated calmly. "Moving forward, it is essential to maintain our calm and avoid becoming overly excited just because we have won two matches." That level-headedness is crucial. Teams often crash after a run of form if they forget the difficulty ahead.

What Comes Next for Amakhosi?

With 18 matches remaining in the campaign, consistency is the only metric that counts. Duba's resurgence is a positive sign, but it needs to become routine rather than the exception. The club relies on him for long-term strategy, according to Kaze. "He is an indispensable player," the co-coach added. That is high praise coming from a man focused on results.

Fans will want to see if the tactical tweak holds water against tougher opposition in the next round. If Duba continues to score from those deeper positions, the team has found a new weapon. Until then, the focus remains on grinding out points and keeping the top-three dream alive through the end of the season.