Talented youngster Wandile Duba made an impressive return to first team action on Saturday, coming off the bench against Moroka Swallows to help 10-man Amakhosi secure a hard-earned 0-0 draw in their DStv Premiership meeting at FNB stadium.

The gifted forward, who graduated from the development ranks, had been absent from action for a while, but he played a bright 35-minute cameo when he replaced Ranga Chivaviro in the second half and almost scored, but for the intervention of Birds goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi.

“I was very grateful to the coach for giving me a chance against Swallows,” he tells www.kaizerchiefs.com, “It was exciting to be back in the Gold & Black. I have been working hard since the mini pre-season and the coaching staff have been very encouraging, telling me I will get my chance. I must just be patient and keep working hard.”

Duba, who turns 20 in June, has had his struggles in recent months, having to come to terms with the loss of his biggest source of inspiration.

“It has been tough for me since I lost my mother last season because she was always very supportive,” he reveals, as he offers credit and gratitude to those who stepped into the breach at this critical time in his development as a person and as a footballer.

“My family and friends have been there for me even more than ever since I lost my mom. In some ways my friends have become my parents in the way they treat me, giving me guidance and advice. Likewise with my family, and I really appreciate it,” he says.

Duba’s performance against Swallows has put him in contention to face Golden Arrows on Tuesday evening, and another good showing could see him in the squad for the all-important Soweto Derby this coming Saturday.

“We have prepared for Arrows. We are ready for them and willing to give everything. Against Swallows we were a man down so we had to put in extra effort and we showed a good attitude. We must take that into our next two matches,” he says, adding, “We know we play Pirates in the Derby on the weekend but we are only focused on Arrows for now. We can’t look ahead yet. We want to win the next game we play, and that is Golden Arrows.”

The teenager is hoping for a good turnout of fans for the Arrows game to inspire them to a victory they can take into the weekend’s big game.

“We promise the Amakhosi Family that we will give our best so they must please come out and support us. We feel the love and it really helps us. We are Kaizer Chiefs because of you,” he concludes.

The match on Tuesday, 5 March at FNB stadium kicks off at 19:30.

Tickets are on sale through TicketPro online at www.ticketpros.co.za or Spar and Boxer Supermarkets, PostNet, Shell and Sasol filling stations at R60 per ticket.