Dladla’s Perfect Start After Hunt Sacking
Durban City interim coach Pitso Dladla was delighted to see his team heading into the Africa Cup of Nations break in good form after he stepped in to replace Gavin Hunt.
Hunt was dismissed following City’s defeat to Orlando Pirates two weeks ago in a Betway Premiership match at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
The club handed the reins to Dladla, who has long been part of the City setup, having served as assistant coach under both Simo Dladla and Hunt.
Pitso Dladla was also the assistant coach when City secured promotion to the top flight last season.
Since Hunt’s departure, Dladla has made an immediate impact. He won his first match as interim coach, guiding the team to a commanding 3-0 victory over Orbit College at Olympia Park Stadium, lifting them to seventh place in the Betway Premiership standings.
The emphatic win — secured through goals from Thabo Nodada, Samkelo Maseko, and a stunning strike from Haashim Domingo — meant far more than just three points. It signalled the foundation of a new chapter.
“This result, more than anything, is for our supporters,” Dladla said.
“They deserve to enter the break with the joy and pride this performance brings. But it’s also a vital moment for us as a group. To pause with this momentum, with happy faces and belief, is invaluable. It gives us the perfect energy to reset and build for the next chapter.”
City, seventh on the log with 22 points at the halfway mark of the season, is a remarkable achievement, especially for a new side in the Premier Division.
“We defended as a complete unit,” he added.
“A clean sheet is often credited to the last line, but its foundation is created by the pressure and responsibility shown from the front. Every player showed that willingness, which is non-negotiable.
“It’s a pleasing platform, but our work isn’t done. We created more chances and need to be more clinical. That balance is what we’ll keep striving for.”
With the league paused for AFCON — taking place from 21 December to 18 January in Morocco — City will resume their campaign on 25 January when they host Polokwane City at Chatsworth Stadium (17:30).
