Wandile Duba: Kaizer Chiefs’ rising star stays loyal amid transfer rumours

Kaizer Chiefs’ young star Wandile Duba has stood firm against swirling transfer rumors. On September 3, 2025, the 21-year-old attacker addressed reporters with a beaming smile, dismissing speculation about a potential loan or move abroad sparked by a cryptic Instagram post. “I’m not going anywhere. I’m staying with the team,” Duba declared, during a community event where Chiefs and Nedbank unveiled a state-of-the-art sports facility at Phulong Secondary School. For Duba, a product of Chiefs’ youth academy, this moment is more than a rebuttal, it’s a testament to his growing stature in one of South Africa’s biggest clubs and his commitment to carving out a legacy in the gold and black.

From Lenasia to Naturena’s spotlight

Duba’s journey began in Lenasia, Johannesburg, where his raw talent caught the eye of Kaizer Chiefs’ scouts. Since his senior debut, he has featured in 46 competitive matches, scoring six goals and providing four assists, including a standout brace against Stellenbosch in January 2025 that helped Chiefs climb to fifth in the Betway Premiership. Yet, his recent Instagram story, captioned “Departure ❤️✌️🤝,” sent fans into a frenzy, with many fearing a loan move or a surprise transfer abroad, especially after Chiefs signed experienced strikers Flavio Silva and Etiosa Ighodaro. The arrival of these players pushed Duba down the pecking order, fueling speculation about his future. But Duba’s response was clear: his heart remains with Amakhosi, and he’s ready to fight for his place under coach Nasreddine Nabi.

Wandile Duba is a community hero with bigger dreams

The setting of Duba’s statement, a new sports facility opening in Kwa-Thema—added a poignant backdrop to his pledge of loyalty. As Chiefs partnered with Nedbank to uplift the community, Duba, a product of similar grassroots environments, embodied the hope such initiatives inspire. “Being here, seeing this for the kids, it reminds me where I came from,” he told reporters, his words resonating with local fans who see him as one of their own. At 21, Duba’s versatility as a wide attacker or central forward, combined with his knack for spectacular goals, like his “screamer” against Golden Arrows in 2024, has made him a fan favorite. Yet, he knows the road ahead is tough, with Chiefs chasing a top-three finish and new signings like Lebohang Maboe intensifying competition for spots.

Navigating the pressure of expectations

The life of a “Glamour Boy” is not always glamorous, as Duba himself has acknowledged. The pressure to perform at Kaizer Chiefs, a club with a storied history and passionate fanbase, is immense, especially for a young player in a squad undergoing a rebuild. Social media buzz reflects the high expectations, with fans praising Duba’s potential but urging consistency. “He’s our future, but he needs to step up now,” one user posted, capturing the blend of hope and scrutiny surrounding him. Despite the arrival of new attackers, Duba’s recent performances, including four goals and one assist in 20 games last season, have earned him a contract extension, signaling the club’s faith in his potential to become a cornerstone of their attack.

A bright future in Gold and Black for Wandile Duba

As the transfer window nears its September 22 close, Duba’s commitment to Chiefs offers a beacon of stability for a club navigating a busy transfer period. With six new signings, including Asanele Velebayi and Luke Baartman, and the departure of key players like Yusuf Maart, Chiefs are reshaping their squad to challenge for silverware. For Duba, staying put means embracing the challenge of proving himself amid fierce competition. His story is one of resilience, w young player from humble beginnings, standing tall against rumors, and determined to write his name into Chiefs’ legacy. As he trains at Naturena, the message is clear: Wandile Duba is here to stay, ready to light up the Betway Premiership and inspire the next generation.