Khanye Questions Du Preez’s Composure After Open-Goal Miss
by SL Reporter · Soccer LadumaFormer Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye has questioned the composure and technical quality of Ashley Du Preez after the forward’s shocking miss during Amakhosi’s CAF Confederation Cup clash against AS Simba on Saturday.
The Soweto giants were held to a 0-0 draw in Lubumbashi in their Second Preliminary Round first-leg tie – a match that could have ended differently had Chiefs taken their chances.
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Du Preez’s open-goal miss – following a brilliant combination between Mfundo Vilakazi and Mduduzi Shabalala – dominated post-match discussions and once again raised concerns about Chiefs’ sharpness in the final third.
Speaking exclusively to Soccer Laduma, Khanye did not hold back.
“I didn’t watch the full game live, but I followed the action through the clips on social media. From what I saw, and this is my opinion and I am not saying I am correct, Chiefs actually created good chances – especially the one that fell to Ashley Du Preez. That was a very good chance to score,” said Khanye.
“The build-up was excellent. Mfundo and Mdu combined beautifully in midfield and that was positive to see. But my big question is: where is the composure from Chiefs players? If you’re not confident about hitting the ball first time, then trap it and place it. That’s what I was asking myself after that miss.”
The 40-year-old lamented what he believes is a recurring pattern at Naturena – players who fail to cope with pressure and lack the technique required for a club of Chiefs’ stature.
“Some players are simply not good enough for Kaizer Chiefs – and I will repeat that no matter who disagrees. Chiefs is not like other clubs. The pressure is different. I played there, I came through development, and I know what it demands,” Khanye continued.
“Du Preez was a good player at Stellenbosch, but at Chiefs it’s a different ball-game. He’s been there long enough now. If something was going to happen, we would have seen meaningful impact already. He rushed that chance and used the wrong technique. Yes, he has speed, but technically he is poor. His timing is not in sync with his pace.”
Khanye added that the miss should spark reflection, not surprise.
“As a country, we must stop cut-and-paste approaches to football. There are no shortcuts. My advice to him is to use timing to complement his speed – but right now, his composure and decision-making are letting him down.”
Chiefs also went close through Khanyisa Mayo – who was denied by the upright – and Vilakazi, who forced a superb save from the hosts’ goalkeeper.
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But it is Du Preez’s moment in front of an open net that remains the major takeaway from Lubumbashi.
With the second leg still to come, Amakhosi will have to be more clinical if they hope to advance.
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