Midfielder Wandile Duba, who has emerged as a key player in Kaizer Chiefs’ rebuilding process, has been laid low by injury.
His absence comes as a major blow for Chiefs, who would have featured him as their lethal weapon in tomorrow’s Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates at the FNB Stadium (3.30pm kick-off).
Chiefs’ Tunisian coach Nasreddine Nabi made a gallant effort to play his cards close to his chest yesterday, but confirmed Duba’s absence
After that, he declared he was not saying anything further about player availability for Saturday’s match, which was sold out two weeks ago already, with 90 000 spectators expected.
“About Duba, he will definitely be out,” Nabi told the media at yesterday’s Soweto Derby press conference at the Soweto Theatre.
“According to our medical team, he will be out for six weeks.
“And that will be the only information about the squad.”
Duba picked up the injury in Chiefs’ recent Nedbank Cup win over Free Agents FC.
Joining Duba in the stands as an onlooker is Chiefs’ recent signing, Tashreeq Morris.
He will wait longer to play his first Soweto Derby because he is serving a suspension. The former SuperSport United star picked up a red card at his previous club in mid-January.
Chiefs could call on two recent signings, the 28-year-old Bafana Bafana international Thabo Cele and Congolese international winger Glody Lilepo, who was signed from French club Valenciennes.
The five-times capped Cele was bought from Russian club FC Fakel Voronezh, and will likely be on the bench tomorrow.
Winger Lilepo is awaiting a work permit that is unlikely to be issued in time for the Soccer City showdown.
In the absence of the injured Ashley du Preez and Duba, the unreliable Ranga Chivaviro is likely to lead the attack against Pirates.
Nabi said that long before he was appointed at Chiefs that he took an interest in the Soweto Derby many years ago.
He is set for his Soweto Derby debut, and he knows it ranks among the biggest games on the African continent.
“This will be my first derby in South Africa. I have been following the previous derbies from where I was, and I can tell you that the feeling and joy around the Soweto Derby is incomparable,” said Nabi.
“I am happy and excited to be part of a game of this magnitude. Everyone – I, the technical team, and the players – are looking forward to the game.
“It is a historic game of two great clubs playing in Soweto, and we understand the passion around this fixture.
“I have seen and been involved in many derbies in Africa, but I consider this one among the biggest on the continent.”