Dladla Reveals The ‘Secret’ Game That Handed Durban City The Nedbank Cup
Durban City interim coach Pitso Dladla says TS Galaxy’s goalless draw with Magesi FC in their previous match played a key role in helping his side prepare for their Nedbank Cup triumph.
Dladla admitted he had been concerned because he was unsure how coach Bernard Parker would set up his team. However, that match provided valuable insight into Galaxy’s approach and allowed City to plan accordingly.
Parker took charge of Galaxy following the departure of Adnan Beganovic, with his first game ending in a draw against Magesi as the club continues its fight for survival.
Durban City made history by becoming the first KwaZulu-Natal club to win the Nedbank Cup, coming from behind to beat Galaxy 2–1 at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.
The victory also secured qualification for next season’s CAF Confederation Cup, where they will be joined by the team that finishes third in the Betway Premiership. The club also walked away with R7 million windfall, which is vital for a newly promoted side entering continental football.
This achievement comes in Durban City’s debut season in the PSL top flight after earning promotion by winning the Motsepe Foundation Championship last year.
Dladla, who took over as caretaker coach in February after replacing Sinethemba Badela, credited Galaxy’s previous match as crucial to their preparation.
“I thought we planned well for the game; we did not have any surprises,” said Dladla.
“What also helped us was that TS Galaxy, under coach Bernard Parker, played a league game before the final. We were really worried because we didn’t know what he was going to deploy.
“But we were encouraged to see that he kept the same structure, which meant most of our preparations were in line.”
City fell behind in the first half through an own goal by Jean Lwamba, but responded in the second half. Mfanafuthi Mkhize equalised before Lwamba redeemed himself by scoring the winner.
Lwamba is one of the few players in PSL history to score an own goal and the winning goal in a major cup final.
“We started very well and controlled the first half,” Dladla added.
“We created a few half-chances but didn’t convert them, and then conceded. However, we knew we didn’t need to change anything; it was just about improving our mentality and intensity. We were not quick enough and didn’t want it more in the first half.
“The positive was that the players recognised this themselves. They knew they needed to apply themselves more and want it more than TS Galaxy. Fortunately, we scored at the right time through Mkhize and pushed for the second goal.
“Jean Lwamba then got the winner, and we believed there was no way they were going to score again.”
