Duba’s consistency could earn Bafana Bafana chance, says Da Cruz

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz says Wandile Duba has the ability to become a future option for Bafana Bafana, but the striker must produce his best form more regularly.

Duba scored a hat-trick as Chiefs defeated TS Galaxy 3-0 at FNB Stadium last night to reach the Carling Knockout quarter-finals. The 22-year-old has now scored six goals in seven matches in all competitions.

Da Cruz believes Duba has the qualities required to attract the attention of Bafana Bafana selectors and potentially earn a place in head coach Pitso Mosimane’s team.

“I am very happy for Duba; he is a young player who sometimes has a lot of ups and downs, so he must improve his consistency,” Da Cruz said.

“He is a young player who is very good, and he is able to drop back and make deep runs. He is very good in front of the goal, but he must continue to work hard and listen to the coaches, and maybe if he does this, he can become a player for Bafana Bafana.”

Duba’s three goals secured Chiefs’ progress after they had struggled to impose themselves during the opening half. Da Cruz was pleased with the response after the interval, when his side produced a much-improved performance to complete a convincing victory.

The result also booked Amakhosi’s place in the quarter-finals of the competition.

Dortley returns after lengthy injury absence

Chiefs were also able to welcome Rushwin Dortley back to competitive action after the left-footed centre-back had spent a year and seven months out with a knee injury.

Dortley had been sidelined since March last year and underwent two operations on the same knee during his rehabilitation. He played the full 90 minutes against TS Galaxy, giving Da Cruz the opportunity to assess the defender’s return at first hand.

The Chiefs coach was pleased with the quality Dortley showed after such a prolonged absence and explained why the club had needed to remain patient before bringing him back into the team.

Dortley’s return provided a further positive for Chiefs on a night when Duba’s finishing proved decisive. Their 3-0 win ensured that the team advanced to the next stage of the Carling Knockout, while the performance strengthened the attention surrounding Duba’s potential at international level.