Ashley Du Preez Marks One Year Without a League Goal for Kaizer Chiefs

Ashley Du Preez will spend Wednesday returning to Johannesburg reflecting on a challenging year at Kaizer Chiefs, as he completes a full year without a league goal. The drought began exactly one year ago on March 4, 2025, when he last scored in the 1-0 win over Magesi FC under former coach Nasreddine Nabi. Since that match, Du Preez has featured in 15 league games, amounting to nearly 700 minutes on the pitch, without finding the net. This period equates to approximately 11 hours of league football without a goal, marking the longest dry spell of his professional career since his first Betway Premiership goal against Golden Arrows on August 15, 2020. The milestone has put the 28-year-old attacker under increased scrutiny as he searches for form and confidence in front of goal.

Du Preez’s goal drought extends beyond league matches, as he has yet to score in any competition this season despite Amakhosi playing 30 matches. In all competitions, he has been on the pitch for almost 500 minutes without registering a goal. This lack of scoring has occurred under the guidance of current co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef, highlighting that the challenge is not simply a change in tactics but also a run of form that the attacker must overcome. Du Preez’s speed and attacking presence remain valuable assets, but the inability to convert chances into goals has been a significant concern for Chiefs as they navigate a competitive season. His contribution in build-up play and pressing has been consistent, yet the missing element remains the decisive finish that defined his earlier performances.

The length of this goal drought represents a new phase in Du Preez’s career, testing his mental resilience and ability to adapt to pressure. The former Stellenbosch FC man has historically shown composure and timing in front of goal, making this extended dry spell a noteworthy anomaly. Analysts and fans alike are monitoring how he adjusts his positioning, movement, and finishing technique to break the streak. Meanwhile, Chiefs’ coaching staff must also consider strategies to support him, whether through tactical adjustments, supply from midfield, or psychological support. Overcoming such a period is crucial not only for his confidence but also for the team’s offensive productivity as they aim to compete for top honors.

Despite the challenges, Du Preez’s career record indicates that he has the ability to return to form. Past seasons demonstrate his capacity to score consistently when in rhythm, suggesting that breaking this run is a matter of opportunity and timing rather than an irreversible decline. Chiefs remain a team capable of creating chances, and finding the net is within reach if Du Preez maintains composure and receives quality service from his teammates. The focus for both player and club is to convert attacking opportunities while maintaining tactical discipline. If he succeeds, the attacker can restore his confidence, contribute decisively to Chiefs’ campaign, and end the prolonged goal drought that has overshadowed his recent performances.