Durban City interim coach Pitso Dladla couldn't be prouder after his side navigated another tense penalty shoot-out to reach the Nedbank Cup semi-finals. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Interim coach Pitso Dladla hailed the resilience and unity of Durban City FC after they overcame adversity to eliminate Lamontville Golden Arrows and book their place in the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup.
City’s progress came after another nerve-wracking penalty shootout, continuing a remarkable trend in their cup run where every knockout tie has been decided from the spot. Despite being reduced to ten men during the second half, the KwaZulu-Natal outfit held firm to take the game the distance before keeping their composure in the shootout to secure victory.
For Dladla, the result was further proof of the mentality within his squad — a quality he believes has defined their campaign.
“This team is build on very strong character, all of our games in the competition have been decided by penalties and we don’t want but it happens,” said Dladla, after the match.
The coach admitted he had initially hoped his side would avoid the tension of another shootout, only to see the familiar script unfold again.
“Before the game I said I wanted the game to end within the 90 minutes but now after the match I’m here wondering why I would say that because it seems penalties are where our luck is,” he joked.
Durban City’s ability to navigate pressure situations has become a hallmark of their cup journey, but their latest triumph was particularly impressive given the circumstances.
Playing with a numerical disadvantage for much of the second half, City were forced to rely heavily on discipline and teamwork to contain an Arrows side pushing for a decisive goal. Instead of retreating into panic, the players stuck to their structure and continued to compete for every ball — something their coach believes reflects the spirit within the group.
“This team is really built on character, the players deserve a lot of credit because they don’t stop working for each other and they fight every single moment and that’s what any coach wants before the talent comes in.”
For Dladla, that commitment has become the foundation of Durban City’s progress in the competition. While tactical organisation and technical ability remain important, the coach believes the willingness of players to fight for one another has been the defining ingredient behind their run.
Their reward is a place in the final four of South Africa’s premier knockout competition.
Attention will now quickly shift back to league duty, where Durban City are preparing for a weekend showdown against Kaizer Chiefs in the Betway Premiership.
City currently sit fourth on the table — notably above the Soweto giants — adding extra intrigue to what is shaping up to be another significant test for Dladla’s in-form side.