Ashley du Preez has not always been a fan favourite among Kaizer Chiefs supporters.
Until this past weekend’s Nedbank Cup semi-final against Mamelodi Sundowns, he was one of the players viewed as “inconsistent”, even though he possesses explosive pace and agility.
What made him frustrating for fans was that his game didn’t always translate into goals.
A turning point performance for Kaizer Chiefs’ Ashley du Preez
Du Preez scored the 89th-minute winner on Sunday, which secured Kaizer Chiefs a 2-1 victory and a spot in the final.
It was a career-defining moment for the 26-year-old forward who is now enjoying a wave of appreciation online.
Du Preez has been a regular starter for Kaizer Chiefs.
His contribution is to create space and stretch opposition defences.
However, fans have been quite open about his poor finishing.
Previous Amakhosi head coach Arthur Zwane had often come to his defence, stating that Du Preez was “working hard and still finding his rhythm in front of goal.”
Zwane also emphasised that fans should keep in mind that Du Preez’s contribution goes beyond scoring.
How fans reacted to Du Preez’s performance
Sunday’s goal may have finally proven Zwane right as Du Preez scored late in what was a tense game.
On X, formerly known as Twitter, fans who once doubted him were quick to post their praises under the hashtag #NedbankCup.
Here’s what some had to say:
@AndileNcube: “Jabu called it! Suarez is the weakest link. Du Preez will make the difference ”
@Zakhele: “When Du Preez scored I have no idea what happened. My focus was the final whistle. I was this emotional.”
@joy_zelda: “This is a Du Preez Appreciation Post. This guy scored a goal which put Kaizer Chiefs into the Finals against Mamelodi Sundowns. Give Him Flowers. Wow.”
@ZukzFranco: ‘Du Preez was offside’”
@KaitHunt14: “Du Preez will always bring an edge. One thing about our breadwinner, he never ever fails to deliver. Du Preez #NedbankCup2025”
@Zakhele: “Du Preez always has a way to punish these ones.”
of the day.
Controversy surrounds the winning goal
Despite the happiness among Kaizer Chiefs supporters, Du Preez’s goal was not without controversy.
Many Mamelodi Sundowns fans and analysts claim he was offside when he received the ball.
They claim that the lack of VAR in the competition contributed to their downfall – and Kaizer Chiefs’ win.
Looking ahead
With Kaizer Chiefs now headed to the Nedbank Cup final, attention will be on Du Preez to continue delivering.
His goal on Sunday may be the start of a new chapter where he becomes one of the club’s most reliable forwards.
Has Du Preez finally proven he deserves more credit from Kaizer Chiefs fans or does he still have more to prove?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
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