Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye has launched a scathing
critique of Ashley Du Preez, questioning the striker’s composure and
technical ability after a glaring miss in the club’s CAF Confederation Cup
draw with AS Simba.
The Soweto giants played out a 0-0 stalemate in Lubumbashi, a result that
could have been a victory had they taken their chances. The talking point of
the match, however, was Du Preez’s failure to convert into an open net
following an excellent build-up between Mfundo Vilakazi and Mduduzi
Shabalala.
In an exclusive interview, Khanye pulled no punches in his assessment. “From
what I saw, Chiefs actually created good chances – especially the one that
fell to Ashley Du Preez. That was a very good chance to score,” Khanye
stated.
He praised the move but condemned the finish. “The build-up was excellent…
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.”
Khanye, who came through the Chiefs development ranks, argued that this
incident highlights a deeper issue at the club: players who cannot handle
the pressure or meet the technical demands. “Some players are simply not
good enough for Kaizer Chiefs… The pressure is different. I played
there… and I know what it demands,” he asserted.
He directly questioned Du Preez’s suitability for the club, suggesting his
time to prove himself has passed. “Du Preez was a good player at
Stellenbosch, but at Chiefs it’s a different ball-game. He’s been there long
enough now… He rushed that chance and used the wrong technique. Yes, he
has speed, but technically he is poor.”
While Chiefs also came close through Khanyisa Mayo, who hit the post, and
Vilakazi, who forced a good save, it is Du Preez’s miss that lingers. As the
team prepares for the decisive second leg, Khanye’s comments underscore the
pressing need for clinical finishing if Amakhosi are to advance.
