From Maritzburg To Africa’s Elite: How Tinkler’s Durban City Just Made South African Football History
Durban City coach Eric Tinkler expressed his delight after the team made history by reaching the CAF Confederation Cup group stage at their first attempt, though he emphasized that bigger challenges lie ahead.
This historic milestone comes less than two seasons after the club returned to the Betway Premiership following their name change from Maritzburg United to Durban City. Last season, under former coach Pitso Dladla, the side made headlines by lifting the Nedbank Cup to qualify for the Confed Cup.
City secured their spot in the Confederation Cup group stage with a commanding 3–0 win over Mauritius’s AS Port Louis 2000 at the Côte d’Or National Sports Complex on Sunday, wrapping up a 6–1 aggregate victory in the second preliminary round.
Carrying a 3–1 lead from the first leg at Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban City maintained their momentum in the return fixture. Gastón Sirino opened the scoring in the 12th minute before Haashim Domingo doubled the lead in the 25th. Ethan Brooks capped off a dominant performance in the 52nd minute with his first goal for the club, sealing a memorable victory and taking City into the group stage of continental competition for the very first time.
“This is a very important achievement for Durban City,” said Tinkler, who was overseeing just his third match in charge of the team.
“It’s our first-ever continental campaign, and reaching the group stage is a proud moment for the club, the players, the technical team, and everyone who has supported us. We’re delighted, but we also know there is more work ahead.”
It was a far more satisfying performance for Tinkler’s men, especially given that the former Bafana Bafana midfielder had been disappointed with their first-leg display in Durban.
“I’m very pleased with the performance,” Tinkler added. “We came here knowing we had a job to do despite winning the first leg, and the players approached the game with the right mentality. We were disciplined, clinical in front of goal, and managed the game well.”
Meanwhile, the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has confirmed that the official group stage draw for the 2026/27 CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup will take place on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, at the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) headquarters in Cairo.
Durban City will be South Africa’s sole representative in the Confederation Cup after Kaizer Chiefs were knocked out by Zambia’s Red Arrows in the second preliminary round on Friday. Similarly, in the Champions League, Orlando Pirates stand as South Africa’s only remaining team following the shock exit of defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who were eliminated by Angola’s Wiliete SC.
Tinkler, who has reached two Confederation Cup finals in his coaching career, praised his squad’s resolve: “The players deserve enormous credit. They showed hunger, commitment, and togetherness throughout the tie. Playing away from home in continental competition is never easy, but we remained focused on our objectives and delivered when it mattered.”
Durban City will have little time to celebrate. Upon returning to South Africa, they immediately turn their attention to domestic action when they host Stellenbosch FC in the Carling Knockout Round of 16 at Chatsworth Stadium on Wednesday.
“We will enjoy this achievement, but we must remain grounded,” Tinkler concluded. “The group stage will bring a different level of competition, and we need to prepare properly, continue improving, and make sure we represent Durban City FC with pride.”
