Suits, Spirit, And Silverware: Durban City Receive Royal KZN Send-Off For Historic Nedbank Cup Final

The KZN Department of Sport and KZN Sports Confederation officially visited Durban City on Tuesday to offer well wishes ahead of Saturday’s Nedbank Cup Final against TS Galaxy at Polokwane’s Peter Mokaba Stadium.

City, who were promoted from the Motsepe Foundation Championship last season, have exceeded expectations in the top flight and remain firmly in contention for a top-eight finish.

They have further underlined their progress by reaching the Nedbank Cup final, despite having had three different coaches this season.

The campaign began under Gavin Hunt, who joined during the off-season. However, the four-time league-winning coach was replaced by Sinethamba Badela in January, before Badela was dismissed after just three matches in February.

With concerns over a lack of direction under the former Chippa United coach, Pitso Dladla was then appointed on an interim basis.

During the KZN Sports Confederation’s visit on Tuesday, along with the KZN MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Mntomuhle Khawula, players and technical staff were dressed in suits to mark the occasion, just days before their crucial final.

“Today, the KZN Sports Confederation, together with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, attended the official send-off of Durban City FC, wishing them well ahead of their Nedbank Cup final this Saturday in Polokwane against TS Galaxy,” the department said.

“The KZN MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Honourable Mr Khawula, was in attendance, where he delivered inspiring words of encouragement and support to the players and technical team as they prepare for their departure.

“We also take this moment to wish the MEC a happy birthday, celebrating his continued leadership and commitment to the development of sport, arts, and culture in KwaZulu-Natal.

“All the best to Durban City FC as they carry the hopes of the province into the final.”

Durban City will be aiming to become the first KwaZulu-Natal club to win a major PSL trophy since Golden Arrows lifted the MTN8 in 2009 with a 6–0 victory over Ajax Cape Town at Orlando Stadium.

The club has previously reached two cup finals—first in the 2017/18 season in the Ke Yona Cup under Fadlu Davids, and again in the 2019/20 Telkom Knockout under Eric Tinkler.

At that time, the team was known as Maritzburg United, before rebranding to Durban City at the start of last season.

Pic courtesy of KZN Sports Confederation