Zwane: Du Preez must learn to cope with the pressure

Ashley Du Preez of Kaizer Chiefs challenged by Makhehleni Makhaula of AmaZulu during the 2022 MTN8 semifinals 2nd leg match between AmaZulu and Kaizer Chiefs

by Staff Reporter

Monday Oct 24, 2022. 13:00

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Arthur Zwane is backing Ashley Du Preez to become a big hit at the club once he learns to manage expectations.

The 25-year-old forward joined Amakhosi during the off-season on the back of an impressive campaign with Stellenbosch, which saw him register nine goals and three assists in 29 DStv Premiership appearances.

Du Preez scored on his home debut for Chiefs in a 3-0 victory over Maritzburg United on August 9, but has only managed one more goal since then.

He failed to convert the chances that came his way in the 0-0 draw with AmaZulu on Sunday as the Glamour Boys were eliminated from the MTN 8 on away goals in the semi-finals.

However, Zwane is confident that Du Preez will improve his record in front of goal in time, with the 49-year-old admitting he might be feeling the pressure to perform at the moment.

“We’re coming from a game where Ashley scored a goal and he played very well in that game and even today he played well,” Zwane said after Chiefs’ exit from the competition.

“But maybe at this point the teams we’re playing against are also planning for him, to try and make his time on the pitch a little difficult.

“Yes he did everything but he is going improve with time because this isn’t any other team, this is Chiefs and the pressure here is different than everywhere else.”

Du Preez will get his first taste of the Soweto derby this weekend when Zwane’s side lock horns with fierce rivals Orlando Pirates at the FNB Stadium on Saturday in the league.