Promoted Durban City are dreaming of Africa. A massive 1-0 win over Richards Bay, sealed by Samkelo Maseko heroics at Chatsworth, saw the Citizens climb to fifth, just two points off the Top 3. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Durban City secured a hard-fought victory over Richards Bay this past weekend in a much-anticipated KwaZulu-Natal derby in the Betway Premiership, and in doing so put themselves into an unexpected discussion regarding the Top 3.
The 1-0 victory was sealed by Samkelo Maseko's late strike on Sunday evening at the Chatsworth Stadium, inserting the Citizens into fifth spot in the Premiership standings. Now on 35 points, they are two points shy of third-placed AmaZulu and one point above sixth-placed Sekhukhune United. Fourth-placed Kaizer Chiefs — on 36 points — are the other club in a tight grouping vying for pan-African competition.
Following the recent victory, interim coach Pitso Dladla shed light on how the team continues to thrive amidst a tumultuous coaching landscape. Having clinched promotion to the top tier of South African football after triumphing in the Motsepe Foundation Championship only last season, the expectations for Durban City were middling at best.
The season kicked off with significant upheaval as the club parted ways with former coach Simo Dladla and appointed seasoned strategist Gavin Hunt. Despite a promising start, Hunt’s departure in December marked the beginning of a turbulent phase for the club, which witnessed multiple managerial changes.
“In terms of changes, I wouldn’t say much about that. I think what the team may get right is the work that it does behind the scenes because the structures enable what you see on a matchday,” Dladla commented after the match, drawing attention to the intricacies that support the players on the pitch.
Indeed, since Dladla took over the reins, his leadership has seen the team rebound with vigour, claiming victories in four out of their last five matches and advancing to the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup.
“If you look at the structure of the management, you look at the different components; there are the conditioning guys, the performance department, the medical team and the composition of the players,” he emphasised, highlighting the collaborative effort that has contributed to their successful run.
Dladla noted the unique blend of experienced players and emerging talent from lower divisions as a pivotal factor in strengthening the squad’s competitive edge. This dynamic mix not only enriches the team’s capabilities but also fosters a resilient spirit that is palpable on the pitch.
Reflecting on his brief time as interim coach, Dladla praised the proactive role of the club’s chairman and the board of directors in cultivating a robust organisational structure, which he believes has been instrumental in navigating the challenges faced this season.
As the team looks to build on this success, Dladla’s calm and composed approach will be vital in steering Durban City through the rest of the season. With the right combination of strategy and teamwork, the club may well defy the odds and solidify its place in the league.