Duba Stays Firm: “I’m Here to Stay” Despite Transfer Speculation
Wandile Duba, forward for Kaizer Chiefs, has assured fans of his dedication to the club, despite a screenshot on social media suggesting a potential exit.
The screenshot sparked concerns among Chiefs supporters, particularly with the transfer window still open.
At an event on Wednesday, where the Nedbank Cup champions, Chiefs and Nedbank, unveiled a new sports court at Phulong Secondary School in Kwa-Thema, Springs, Duba swiftly addressed his situation.
“[Laughing] I’m not going anywhere; I’m with the team,” Duba stated with a grin, reaffirming his loyalty.
Moreover, fans and even his coach, Nasreddine Nabi, have raised concerns about Duba’s assertiveness in games, with videos surfacing online showing him stepping on opponents.
Nabi had previously voiced concerns about the young striker’s mental health.
However, Duba remains unperturbed. “It doesn’t really bother me,” he remarked when asked about his aggression being interpreted as brutality.
“That’s the approach the coach wants us to take. It’s just the reactions, people coming to your account, making threats, all that nonsense.”
He acknowledged that negativity on social media has impacted him. “During the last match [when Chiefs triumphed over Golden Arrows at Moses Mabhida Stadium], my mindset wasn’t the best, and I chose to avoid social media.”
Duba, who scored the decisive goal in the Nedbank Cup semifinal against Mamelodi Sundowns before Chiefs triumphed over Orlando Pirates in the final, pointed out that social media commentary can occasionally tempt him to react.
“I don’t let those things [social media posts] trouble me too much,” Duba stated. “I usually talk to my brother; he helps keep me grounded. Sometimes, I feel like responding or sending a message back when I encounter negative comments about me.”
Since his elevation in January 2023, Duba has participated in 43 matches across all competitions, scoring six goals and providing four assists.
