Durban City Wants To Keep Jurgens Beyond This Season

Durban City coach Pitso Dladla says there is a strong possibility the club will strike a deal with Stellenbosch to keep midfielder Kyle Jurgens beyond this season.

Jurgens has been one of City’s standout performers this campaign since arriving in Durban on loan from Stellenbosch.

The 22-year-old has offered great versatility for the team, having played in several positions, including right-back and midfield.

He has featured in 24 matches in all competitions so far, contributing two assists.

Those contributions have helped City, who were promoted to the top flight at the end of last season, climb to fourth place on the table.

The team has collected 32 points from 20 matches, punching above their weight despite having already changed two coaches during the campaign.

City has also reached the Nedbank Cup semi-finals this past weekend, where Jurgens was named man of the match as they beat Golden Arrows on penalties. City will now face giant killers Casric Stars.

“That was one issue with management, but from what I hear, we are in a good position to keep him, considering the agreement between the two teams,” said Dladla.

“I wouldn’t divulge too much on that because I’m not privy to all the details.”

Dladla also revealed that he has had discussions with Jurgens about developing his game further, including playing in a more advanced role.

Jurgens has already been deployed in a more attacking position and provided the assist for Saziso Magawana’s winning goal when City beat Marumo Gallants at Lucas Moripe Stadium earlier this month.

“Kyle Jurgens, I had a discussion with him and said, ‘Kyle, I hear a lot of stories about you — that you can play in many positions,’” Dladla explained.

“Someone told me you used to play at right-back, so I said to him, ‘That means you are defensively strong and have a lot of abilities.’

“But I also think you are capable of being an offensive player. Let us try to improve your attacking play.

“As much as people mention him playing as a six, I can tell you he played a different role when we played against Marumo Gallants away.

“As a result, he provided an assist. If you saw that goal, you would have noticed he was in an unfamiliar position.

“We are trying to make him less predictable by not always playing him in the number six position. He is a very good player, works hard, and he is only 22 years old.

“But if you look at him, you might think he is older than his age. I can tell you we are working on him to be more effective in attack.

“A player like him should at least have two, three, or four goals. I believe very soon you will see a goal from him.”