Gcaba Hat-Trick Fires Durban City Past Polokwane City In Carling Thriller

Fezile Gcaba produced a stunning performance, scoring a hat-trick to inspire Durban City FC to a 4-1 victory over Polokwane City in the Carling Knockout Cup round of 16 at Chatsworth Stadium on Friday night.

The win made Durban City the first team to book their place in the quarterfinals of the tournament in what is their debut campaign since being rebranded from Maritzburg United.

Gcaba’s Eventful Night

Gcaba, who joined from Richards Bay, opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a powerful header at the far post. His night, however, was full of drama as he was later penalised for a handball in stoppage time, allowing Lebohang Nkaki to convert from the spot and briefly draw Polokwane level.

Despite that setback, Gcaba responded brilliantly in extra time, adding two more goals to complete his first PSL hat-trick. He combined with Katlego Maphathe to score his second before sealing the match with a towering header just minutes later.

Extra-Time Drama

The match appeared headed for penalties until Mfanafuthi Mkhize produced a moment of magic in extra time. After Saziso Magawana’s free kick struck the post and caused chaos in the box, Mkhize reacted quickest with a spectacular bicycle kick to restore City’s lead.

With momentum firmly on their side, Gcaba struck twice in quick succession to put the game beyond Polokwane’s reach and send the Durban-based side into the last eight.

Hunt Left Fuming

City coach Gavin Hunt was left furious by the controversial penalty decision that nearly cost his team the match, but ultimately praised the character shown by his players to respond in extra time.