Despite qualifying for the round of 32 in the Nedbank Cup, Durban City coach Simo Dladla has prioritized league promotion.

The club, formerly known as Maritzburg United and relocated to Durban during the off-season, secured a 1-0 victory over Highbury at Chatsworth Stadium on Wednesday.

Currently second in the Motsepe Foundation Championship with 22 points from 12 matches, City trails leaders Milford by just one point.

“We will appreciate any challenge,” said Dladla. “The Nedbank Cup offers more matches, but we’re not changing our approach much. It will provide an opportunity for players who aren’t getting regular game time to gain experience and improve team spirit. However, our primary focus remains league promotion.”

Last season, City reached the round of 16 of the Nedbank Cup, where they were eliminated by eventual finalists Mamelodi Sundowns.

The club’s strong performance in the MFC this season is largely due to the goal-scoring prowess of players like Joslin Kamatuka and Ruzaigh Gamilden.

With only two losses this season, City faces 15th-placed Leruma United on Saturday. Dladla emphasizes that securing three points is paramount, rather than playing a specific style of football.

“The game against Leruma will allow us to reintegrate players who were rested against Highbury,” said Dladla. “We must win that game by any means necessary. Our focus is on securing three points, not on playing a particular style of football. We will analyze Leruma’s weaknesses and exploit them to our advantage.”