Local Soccer

How Du Preez is learning to live with pressure at Chiefs

Ashley Du Preez admits that he has not yet achieved what he had hoped for when he joined Kaizer Chiefs. 

ALSO READ: Chiefs talisman Dolly on why actions speak louder than words

He says he is learning a lot since he joined Chiefs who are one of the country’s big teams with millions of supporters.

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“I haven’t achieved my goals yet. At the beginning of the season I set out to score 10 goals this season,” said the Chiefs striker. 

“And I am on four goals in the league. I have seven in all competitions. I think I can do better. I am not happy at the moment with six games to go.”

Du Preez has somewhat endeared himself to the Amakhosi supporters especially with his high work rate. 

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But he has been at times erratic in front of goal and that has drawn him criticism. But Du Preez has found a way to not let the critics hamper him.

“I am not worried about the people outside. You want to keep the supporters happy obviously,” he added.

“But when things are not going your way, you need to keep going and not listen to criticism and all those things. They can affect your game.”

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Du Preez says his wish is to improve with each game and score more often to help Chiefs achieve their goals.

Du Preez wants more goals

“I want to do better every day. I want to win games, I want to score goals and make the fans happy.”

With six games to go in the DStv Premiership, Chiefs are still in the race for second place which guarantees Caf Champions League football next season.

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“In the last six games, our aim is to win all the games. And we want to be second on the log and qualify (for Champions League). 

“But I think we need to take it one game at a time,” says the 25-year-old former Stellenbosch attacker. 

ALSO READ: ‘We could’ve challenged Sundowns,’ says Chiefs’ Du Preez

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Du Preez will hope to add to his tally when Chiefs host Marumo Gallants at FNB Stadium on Saturday evening. 

Chiefs are currently on 40 points, the same as Orlando Pirates and three behind SuperSport United.

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By Sibongiseni Gumbi