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Ashley Du Preez, Kaizer ChiefsBackpagepix
Khothatso Leballo

Did Ashley du Preez sabotage Kaizer Chiefs with crazy howler? Ex-Amakhosi star 'shocked' but discloses 'I once missed an easy chance on purpose, just to spite Muhsin Ertugral'

The 28-year-old forward failed to turn the ball into an empty net while unmarked inside the box in what was a golden scoring opportunity. He has endured some backlash from fans who watched, in disbelief, a clip of him struggling to score in Lubumbashi.

  • Miss of the season?

    Ashley du Preez fired the ball over the bar while facing an empty goal during Kaizer Chiefs’ 0-0 draw in a CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round clash with AS Simba at TP Mazembe Stadium on Saturday.

    It was arguably the miss of the season by any Premier Soccer League player in any competition so far this term.

    Former Chiefs forward Phumlani Mkhize has expressed shock at the chance missed by Du Preez.

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  • Muhsin Ertugral, Mpumalanga Black AcesGallo

    Mkhize ‘shocked’ but backs Du Preez

    “To be honest, I’m still shocked at how Du Preez missed that goal. I think it has to do with him losing his father. He tends to miss easy chances but scores the most difficult ones,” Mkhize said as per KickOff.

    “I’m not suggesting that Du Preez missed on purpose, but sometimes a player may be unhappy with a coach who doesn’t value them enough or who doesn’t start them in most games. This can lead to a player not putting in their full effort for that coach.

    “I remember when I was at Chiefs, I once missed an easy chance on purpose, just to spite our coach, Muhsin Ertugral,” added Mkhize who also turned out for Pirates.

    “We were playing in Cape Town, but I don’t recall the opponent. Jabu Pule [now Mahlangu] crossed the ball to me, and I deliberately missed what should have been a straightforward header and easy goal.  The ball grazed the goalpost and went out.” 

  • Ashley Du Preez, Kaizer ChiefsBackpagepix

    Chiefs coaches’ role to psych up Du Preez

    Du Preez might not be in a comfortable state of mind following the passing away of his father recently.

    That would present coaches Khalil ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze, as well as Chiefs players with a task to assist the speedy forward to be in a good mental position.

    It would also be a challenge for the player himself to dust himself off after his miss and start scoring to silence his critics.

  • Ashley Du Preez, Kaizer Chiefs, Angelo Suakuakueche, Kabuscorp FC, 2025Backpage

    What is next for Du Preez?

    Following harsh criticism from fans and pundits, Chiefs will be hoping Du Preez can block out the criticism and keep his cool in front of goal.

    The coaches might also try to protect him by not starting the striker against Siwelele FC in a PSL match on Tuesday.

    Du Preez is yet to score in any of his seven appearances across all competitions this season.