Durban City pushed the champions all the way at Chatsworth Stadium, falling 1-0 to a clinical Mamelodi Sundowns. They will be hoping to bounce back straight away in Saturday's derby against Arrows, however.
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Durban City head into a crucial Betway Premiership derby against Lamontville Golden Arrows at King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday (3pm kick-off) knowing the stakes extend beyond local pride, with both sides looking to steady their seasons after midweek setbacks.
City were edged 1-0 by log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns at their Chatsworth Stadium fortress, just days after their Nedbank Cup semi-final win over Casric Stars. Arrows suffered a heavy defeat away to Orlando Pirates, setting up a derby where the response and resilience of both KZN sides will be tested.
Coach Pitso Dladla says his squad are focused on avoiding a second straight league defeat and maintaining their push up the table.
“Look, I think it's a very important game for us. We did not get the desired result in our previous encounter and we haven't experienced this situation this season where we lose two games in a row," said Dladla.
"We know it's going to be a very difficult game playing against Golden Arrows. But the boys are looking good, they are looking hungry. It's very important for us to do well."
Dladla also believes the short trip across Durban to face Manqoba Mngqithi's charges helps neutralise the usual away disadvantage, with strong local support expected in Umlazi.
Midfielder Brooklyn Poggenpoel stressed the challenges of a packed schedule, with recovery and tactical preparation taking priority over physical work this week.
“Preparation this week has been a tricky one. We've come from the semi-final into the Sundowns game. In recovery session and prep for Arrows now so not a lot of time to prepare physically but we've been watching video clips, analyzing tactics," said Poggenpoel.
"You know it's a derby this weekend so we'd like to go out there and put in a proper performance for our fans again. We want to go out there and get a positive result to bounce back from the midweek defeat and put us back on the right track again."
Poggenpoel also pointed to City’s recent record against Arrows as evidence the contest could be tight once again, with little separating the sides in recent meetings.
“We've drawn against them twice – in the cup and obviously won on penalties, and in the first round we drew. So we want to go out there and get a positive result.”
He expects another demanding tactical battle between two sides eager to respond to the ecent setbacks.
“I think Arrows are a very good team. They keep the ball well, they play with a good intensity. I expect a high intensity game. The ball will stay on the floor, carpet football, as they say. They are a good side. I think it's going to be a tough one,” Poggenpoel said.
Victory in Umlazi will allow City to strengthen their grip on sixth place, while it could loosen Arrows' hold on a top-eight spot.