Wandile Duba hat-trick drives Kaizer Chiefs into Carling Knockout next round

Wandile Duba scored three times in the second half as Kaizer Chiefs beat TS Galaxy 3-0 at FNB Stadium to reach the next round of the Carling Knockout Cup.

The victory gives Amakhosi a confidence boost before Saturday’s Soweto derby against arch-rivals Orlando Pirates, after a difficult run of results that included their elimination from the CAF Confederation Cup last Friday.

Duba completed his first top-flight hat-trick with goals in the 48th, 62nd and 66th minutes. The forward was voted the Champion Player of the Match by supporters and received a standing ovation when he was substituted, with fans chanting: “Duba, Duba, Duba”.

Chiefs also gave important playing time to several players returning from injury, including Flavio Silva, providing coach Fernando da Cruz with more options before the derby.

The hosts endured a frustrating first half and offered little urgency as TS Galaxy kept them at bay. Supporters made their displeasure clear by shouting at both the players and the team, while Da Cruz attempted to encourage his side after each chance created and successful tackle.

Neither goalkeeper was seriously tested before the interval, a positive for Da Cruz after he made several changes to his defence. Rushwin Dortley returned to the starting line-up after being out for more than a year with an injury.

Chiefs emerged with greater intensity after the break and quickly took control. Duba opened the scoring by turning in a cross from Pule Mmodi inside the penalty area.

The second goal followed after Mduduzi Shabalala was fouled by Veluyeke Zulu in the box. Vilakazi took the resulting penalty but struck the upright, allowing Duba to react first and put away the rebound.

Duba completed his treble after beating the offside trap to collect Shabalala’s through-ball. He then went one-on-one with TS Galaxy goalkeeper Melusi Mathebula and finished with precision and power.

Mathebula was later forced off with an injury and was replaced by Sipho Maseti. The substitute faced little pressure as Chiefs had effectively secured the result by that stage.

The clean sheet and three-goal performance mean Kaizer Chiefs will go into Saturday’s meeting with Orlando Pirates in improved spirits after advancing from the Carling Knockout round of 16.