Da Cruz backs Kaizer Chiefs striker Wandile Duba for future Bafana Bafana call-up

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz believes Wandile Duba can earn a place in Bafana Bafana if the young striker continues to develop and works consistently.

Duba, 22, has scored six goals in eight matches across all domestic competitions this season, although he missed a significant opportunity during Saturday’s Soweto derby at FNB Stadium. Kaizer Chiefs were beaten 2-1 by rivals Orlando Pirates.

The striker had made a strong impression four days earlier, scoring the first hat-trick of his career as Amakhosi defeated TS Galaxy 3-0 in the first round of the Carling Knockout at the same venue.

Da Cruz praised Duba’s potential but said the forward still needed to become more consistent.

“I am very happy for Duba. He is a young player, and so sometimes he has a lot of ups and downs. He must improve his consistency,” said the Kaizer Chiefs coach.

“He is a very good young player. 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, to listen to the coaches, and maybe if he continues to work hard, he can become a player for Bafana Bafana.”

Kaizer Chiefs have struggled to provide regular players for the national team in recent times, while the club has also found it difficult to maintain top form.

Lebohang Maboe is the only Kaizer Chiefs player included in the current Bafana Bafana preliminary squad for this month’s two Afcon qualifiers against Kenya.

Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane was expected to announce his final squad before the end of this week. South Africa will host Kenya at Orlando Amstel Arena on November 13 at 6pm, before the teams meet again in Nairobi four days later.

South Africa lead Group D in qualifying for next year’s Afcon in Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya after winning their opening two matches against Guinea and Eritrea during the last Fifa window.

Kaizer Chiefs are also expected to complete the signing of free-agent Bafana Bafana international Elias Mokwana in the next few days.

Mokwana, 27, has been without a club since leaving Tunisian side Esperance in September. His arrival would give Kaizer Chiefs another player with international experience as they seek to strengthen their squad.