Durban City Celebrate Nedbank Cup Victory, Eye Permanent Coach Role
After a hard‑fought 2‑1 win over TS Galaxy in the Nedbank Cup final at Peter Mokaba Stadium, Durban City interim head coach Pitso Dladla expressed his hope that club chairman Farook Kadodia will award him the permanent position.
Interim Coach Pitso Dladla’s Leadership
Dladla took charge in December 2023 after the club parted ways with Gavin Hunt. Despite the interim tag, he has guided the side to silverware and a strong league showing.
- Nedbank Cup champions 2024 – first major trophy in the club’s history.
- Guided Durban City to seventh place in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) with four matches remaining, securing a top‑eight finish.
- Emphasised a collaborative approach, working closely with assistant coach Ashraf Hendricks and goalkeeper coach Rowen Fernández.
In his post‑match remarks, Dladla highlighted the collective effort behind the success:
“When you’re named interim head coach, it’s more of a collaborative effort. We work with coaches [assistant] Ashraf Hendricks and [goalkeeper coach] Rowen Fernández… We discuss a lot of things, we make decisions together, we plan together. I represent them here, but we recognise every component, especially in the technical team.”
– Pitso Dladla, post‑final interview, KickOff.com
Impact on Season and Continental Qualification
The Nedbank Cup triumph not only adds silverware but also earns Durban City a place in the 2024‑25 CAF Confederation Cup. This marks the club’s first continental campaign since earning promotion to the PSL.
Chairman Farook Kadodia praised the achievement, noting its significance for a side that relocated from Pietermaritzburg to Durban only last season:
“Our first season in the Premiership and we can win this great trophy. For us as a team it means a lot for the identity and growth of the Durban City name.”
– Farook Kadodia, club statement, Durban City FC Official Site
Qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup provides the squad with valuable international experience and increases the club’s profile across Africa.
Looking Ahead: League Clash with Marumo Gallants
Celebrations are brief as Durban City shift focus to the PSL. The team travels to Dr. Molemela Stadium to face Marumo Gallants in their next fixture.
With four games left, a win could push City into the top six, further solidifying their inaugural top‑division campaign.
Supporters and analysts alike will be watching to see whether Dladla’s interim role becomes permanent, a decision that could shape the club’s trajectory for seasons to come.
