Duba Stays Firm: “I’m Not Leaving,” Amid Transfer Speculation
Wandile Duba, the striker for Kaizer Chiefs, has reassured fans that he is not leaving the club, despite a screenshot circulating on social media that hinted at a possible exit.
The screenshot sparked concern among Chiefs supporters, particularly with the transfer window remaining open.
On Wednesday, at an event where the Nedbank Cup champions, Chiefs and Nedbank, unveiled a new sports court at Phulong Secondary School in Kwa-Thema, Springs, Duba promptly clarified his situation.
“[Laughing], I’m not going anywhere; I’m staying with the team,” Duba stated with a grin, reaffirming his dedication.
Additionally, there has been concern from fans and even his coach, Nasreddine Nabi, regarding Duba’s aggressiveness on the pitch, with videos surfacing online showing him stamping on opponents.
Nabi had previously voiced concerns about the young striker’s mental state.
However, Duba insists that he is unbothered. “It doesn’t actually concern me,” he remarked when questioned if his aggression could be perceived as brutality.
“That’s how the coach wants us to play. It’s just the comments, people coming to your account, threatening to kill you, all that nonsense.”
He acknowledged that negativity on social media has impacted him. “In the last game [when Chiefs triumphed over Golden Arrows at the Moses Mabhida Stadium], I wasn’t in the best mindset, and I didn’t even revisit what was said on social media.”
Duba, who will be remembered for scoring the pivotal goal in the Nedbank Cup semifinal against Mamelodi Sundowns before Chiefs’ victory over Orlando Pirates in the final, mentioned that social media comments can sometimes tempt him to respond.
“I don’t think those things [social media posts] frustrate me much,” Duba shared. “I usually talk to my brother; he always calms me down. At times, I feel like replying or sending a message back whenever I encounter negative comments about myself.”
Since his promotion in January 2023, Duba has participated in 43 matches across all competitions, scoring six goals and providing four assists.
