Wandile Duba hat-trick sends Kaizer Chiefs into Carling Knockout quarter-finals

Wandile Duba scored three times as Kaizer Chiefs beat TS Galaxy 3-0 at FNB Stadium to book their place in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals.

The forward struck shortly after half-time, converted a rebound from a missed penalty and completed his hat-trick five minutes later to settle a match in which Chiefs grew into the contest after a difficult opening.

Kaizer Chiefs welcomed back Rushwin Dortley, who had been sidelined with an injury since March 2025, while captain Brandon Petersen also returned to the starting line-up.

TS Galaxy made changes of their own, giving goalkeeper Melusi Mathebula his club debut and resting Ira Tape.

Galaxy began with greater control of the tempo and spent the early stages keeping Chiefs pinned in their own half. However, the visitors were unable to turn their possession into any clear scoring opportunities.

The hosts gradually found their rhythm, and Duba should have opened the scoring in the 14th minute. He was played through by Mfundo Vilakazi but was unable to convert a good chance.

Chiefs continued to push forward as the first half developed, although they could not find the decisive finish. Galaxy’s promising start faded and the visitors struggled to maintain their early momentum.

Chances remained limited at both ends before the interval, with the score still 0-0 at half-time.

Chiefs made the stronger start after the restart and took the lead when Duba finished from close range after being set up by Pule Mmodi.

The Soweto side continued to attack and looked intent on extending their advantage. Their pressure resulted in a penalty in the 60th minute after Zulu fouled Mduduzi Shabalala inside the area.

Mathebula kept out Vilakazi’s spot-kick, but Duba reacted quickest to the loose ball and powered the rebound into the net.

His third goal arrived five minutes later. Shabalala sent a through ball into the space behind the Galaxy defence, and Duba got there before the advancing Mathebula before finding the net.

With the result effectively secured, Chiefs were able to ease off in the closing stages and see out a convincing victory.

The win sends Amakhosi into the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals, where they will face TS Galaxy.

Kaizer Chiefs will next prepare for a major Betway Premiership Soweto Derby against arch-rivals Orlando Pirates. The match will take place at FNB Stadium on Saturday, 31 October.