Keet: No One Banked On Us Reaching Nedbank Cup Semis

Durban City’s experienced head, Darren Keet, admits that few would have bet on his side reaching the Nedbank Cup semi-finals, given the club’s status as top-flight newcomers and their turbulent season involving two coaching changes.

Despite the off-field shifts, the “Citizens”—who earned promotion from the Motsepe Foundation Championship last season—have consistently punched above their weight.

They now prepare to host giant-killers Casric Stars at Chatsworth Stadium this Saturday, defending a remarkable unbeaten home record across all competitions this season.

Durban City’s cup run is mirrored by their league form; they currently sit fifth in the Betway Premiership with 35 points from 22 matches.

“It is massive for the club to be in the position we are in,” said Keet on Wednesday’s club media day.

“No one expected to be here, so it has been good for the club, good for the players. As the club being new in the league, to be in the semi-final of the Nedbank Cup, is amazing. 

“I think the players are preparing pretty well. As I said at the beginning of the season, it was one of the other cups where we had a similar interview, where I said my job is to support them to help on the way, to show things that need to be done. 

“We have improved over the course of the season, and now we find ourselves here.  

“It is good for me, good for the club, it’s good for everyone around the players, and things like that. I think it’s an exciting game to attack in the semi-final.” 

While the club is in its first season under the Durban City identity, the franchise has historical pedigree in this competition. In the 2017/18 season, then known as Maritzburg United, they reached the final under Fadlu Davids, narrowly losing to Free State Stars.

“I told the boys: we have a semi-final to win. We want to be in that final, and that is the only job at hand,” Keet concluded.

The weekend’s other semi-final sees TS Galaxy host Milford FC at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium on Sunday.