Durban City claimed a 1–0 victory over Richards Bay FC in a tightly contested KZN Derby at Chatsworth Stadium this Sunday afternoon.
Both sides made changes, with Richards Bay handing Siyabonga Nzama a start, while Durban City welcomed back Thapelo Maseko and included Luphumlo Sifumba in the lineup.
Speaking ahead of the encounter, Durban City head coach Pitso Dladla emphasised the importance of asserting dominance at home, stating:
“From the first whistle, we show that we are the home team — we must be aggressive and suffocate them.”
Durban City started brightly, forcing Ian Otieno into an early save in the 9th minute, before comfortably dealing with a 17th-minute free-kick. Richards Bay came close in the 24th minute when captain Mcineka met a corner, but his effort was controversially judged not to have crossed the line.
Chances followed at both ends, with Sifumba missing for City, while Gumede and Barns tested Darren Keet, who produced key saves to keep his side in the game. Gumede also struck the woodwork late in the first half, while Otieno denied Brooklyn just before the break.
The decisive moment came in the 79th minute when Maseko found the back of the net, finishing well to hand Durban City the lead.
Reflecting on the performance after the match, Dladla believed his side were worthy winners, saying:
“I think we did well, and we deserved to win today”
Richards Bay pushed for a late equaliser, but Durban City held firm to secure all three points in the derby.
The result sees Durban City sit at 5th position , while Richards Bay drop to the 12th position.
Both sides will return to action after the FIFA break, with Durban City set to face their next opponent home, while Richards Bay will also be playing at home in their upcoming fixture.
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