Hunt Slams ‘Dangerous’ Mbokazi Tackle After Kamatuka Was Hospitalised
Durban City coach Gavin Hunt says he was disappointed with the challenge by Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi that left Joslin Kamatuka hospitalised.
Mbokazi came in flying to clear the ball, and as he did so, his boot caught Kamatuka in the face, forcing the midfielder to be taken off the field by ambulance at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
As Kamatuka lay dazed on the pitch, players rushed toward him to remove his boots while both clubs’ medical teams arrived to provide urgent assistance.
City has since confirmed an update on the Namibian international, who rejoined the club after the season had started following his departure at the end of the previous campaign.
“Durban City FC confirms midfielder Joslin Kamatuka is in stable condition after being stretchered off against Orlando Pirates,” the club said in a statement.
“Scans at a local hospital returned clear results for the Namibian international, who will now begin his recovery. The club thanks both medical teams and fans for their swift response and overwhelming support.”
However, Hunt felt Mbokazi’s approach made it clear that he had endangered the forward.
“I wasn’t happy with that tackle — clearing the ball like that, that’s for sure,” said Hunt, who appeared visibly frustrated in the press conference.
It was the Hunt of old, the version we’ve become accustomed to after a defeat, offering short, sharp answers.
Pirates won the match with second-half goals from Evidence Makgopa and Patrick Maswanganyi, moving to the top of the Betway Premiership with 28 points from 12 games, three ahead of second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns.
City will return to action on Wednesday when they visit Orbit College at Olympia Park Stadium.
It will be their final match of 2025 before the league pauses for the Africa Cup of Nations, which will take place in Morocco from 21 December until 18 January 2026.
