Keet Reveals Tinkler’s Interest Before Durban City Move
Durban City goalkeeper Darren Keet has revealed that coach Eric Tinkler had shown interest in reuniting with him at Sekhukhune United, but the move never materialised as talks failed to progress to a formal offer.
With Sekhukhune slow to act, Keet went on to sign for Durban City, reuniting with Gavin Hunt, who was appointed during the off-season.
According to Sportswire sources, Sekhukhune had already completed the signing of Manuel Sapunga from Polokwane City, reportedly without Tinkler’s knowledge. That situation is believed to be the reason why Sapunga has barely featured for Sekhukhune this season.
Keet became a free agent after Cape Town City were relegated to the Motsepe Foundation Championship following the PSL promotion and relegation playoffs at the end of last season.
“I wasn’t close at all. There was interest,” Keet replied to Sportswire.
Tinkler’s admiration for Keet is well known — he once described the 36-year-old as one of the most reliable goalkeepers in South Africa when it comes to dealing with aerial balls. That sentiment is also shared by Hunt, who previously coached Keet at Bidvest Wits.
Keet elaborated: “I did speak to them — well, to coach Eric — but nothing came from it. He asked if I’d be interested in joining them, and I said, ‘we can make it happen’.
“But then they signed other goalkeepers, and that was the end of it. There were no negotiations or offers made. There was just interest from his side, and that was all.
“Like I always say, everything happens for a reason — and I’m extremely happy here.”
Keet will be expected to play a key role, drawing on his vast experience when Durban City face Richards Bay in the Carling Knockout quarterfinals at Umhlathuze Sports Ground on Saturday (15:00).
The goalkeeper has a winning history with Hunt, having lifted the Carling Knockout (then known as the Telkom Knockout) with Bidvest Wits in the 2017/18 season. Wits defeated Bloemfontein Celtic in the final at Princess Magogo Stadium, with Vincent Pule’s clever back-heel providing the decisive goal in extra time.
Keet and Hunt also clinched the league title and the MTN8 trophy together at Wits in the 2016/17 season, and the veteran shot-stopper will look to use that experience against Richards Bay.
“There’s not too much that I have to do,” said Keet, who was named PSL Goalkeeper of the Season in 2016/17.
“I think we have a good team with players capable of getting the win. Richards Bay are a tough side to face, but my job is to keep everyone focused and ensure we stay in the game.
“Hopefully, we’ll get the goals we need and come away with the result we want. We’ve been working hard and have already exceeded people’s expectations, but we have our own ambitions — and we need to keep pushing toward them.”
