Striker Prince Dube has ended his goal drought, which had lasted since September 19, after scoring the crucial winning goal for Yanga against AS FAR Rabat the other day. It has now emerged that he almost refused to play that match before his teammates convinced him to stay focused.
Dube scored the goal that helped Yanga break their long-standing struggle in CAF group-stage openers since 2016. However, before the match, the Zimbabwean forward reportedly asked not to play, insisting that Andy Boyeli should be given the starting spot instead—only for his teammates and coach Pedro Goncalves to encourage him to start.
One of Yanga’s defenders said that Dickson Job’s statement—that fans would see a “new Dube” in that match—was not by chance because the squad had worked hard to bring the striker mentally back into the game after he asked to be benched.
The defender revealed that Dube was under immense pressure, urging his teammates to let Boyeli start since Boyeli had just scored two goals in the Premier League match against KMC, which Yanga won 4–1.
Since the start of the Premier League season, Dube had not scored any league goals except the one he netted in the preliminary-round first leg against Wiliete Benguela on September 19. His recent goal against FAR Rabat in the 57th minute ended that dry spell.
“Dube is one of the most humble players. While preparing for the match against AS FAR, he asked the captains to tell the coach not to start him,” the defender said, adding:
“But the captains refused. Dube’s reason was simply that he wanted Boyeli to start since he had just scored two goals. Fortunately, they encouraged him and told him not to reject the chance if the coaches wanted him to start.”
“They talked to him a lot. I remember hearing Job telling him that he could score if he played—and you saw Job saying in the press conference that fans would see a new Dube. That’s where it all started.”
A midfielder who started the match added that despite going through a goal drought, Dube performs exceptionally well in training, making it difficult for the coach to leave him out even when he is not scoring.
“I’m not saying others are bad, not at all. But we players know each other. If you ask anyone why the coach starts Dube, they’ll be surprised at your question. If you attend training, you’ll understand why he starts.”
“It’s just that he hit a dry spell. He’s a very good striker—just like Boyeli. Dube trains well and contributes a lot during games. His movements keep defenders uncomfortable.”
Yanga head coach Pedro Goncalves said he believes Dube’s goal against FAR Rabat will open the door for many more.
Dube, now in his second season with Yanga, has scored two CAF goals so far. Pedro described him as a player who understands his role well and positions himself correctly, but who is often judged harshly for missing scoring chances.
“Dube gives us a lot. He has great technique and understands his role very well. It’s true he seemed to have lost some confidence, but I spoke to him and reminded him to keep fighting because he has been performing well—and these things happen,” Pedro said, adding:
“He played very well, and I believe this goal will motivate him to do even better. More goals will come because we depend on him, just like all our players.”
In the match, Dube had three dangerous chances within the first seven minutes but did not convert them.
He has started in all three matches since Pedro took over—against Mtibwa, KMC, and FAR Rabat. Last season, he finished the Premier League campaign with 13 goals, three behind top scorer Jean Charles Ahoua (16) and one behind Clement Mzize (14).
Source: Mwanaspoti
