Durban City claim maximum points in Betway Prem debut

Durban City © Gallo Images

As a newly promoted side to the PSL, Durban City collected three points in their Betway Premiership debut this weekend after an efficient 2-0 victory against TS Galaxy at the Mbombela Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

In spite of a tricky trip to the North of South Africa, Durban City left the Mpumalanga province with smiles on their faces courtesy of strikes by Samkelo Maseko and Mfanafuthi Mkhize.

The game commenced at a timid pace at the Mbombela stadium with TS Galaxy holding most of the ball during the first 10 minutes. Both teams were cautious in their approach play as Durban City sat slightly deeper on the pitch.

Gavin Hunt’s charges cranked up the pressure leading up to the 15th minute mark, as seen from attempts by Kaltego Maphathe and Haashim Domingo. The latter came closest to scoring, after seeing his effort inside the 18-yard-area shift past the goalkeeper’s right.

Despite seeing less of the ball, Durban City looked more likely to score in the first half-hour of the match but battled to make their chances count.

Following a couple of surging attacks by Galaxy, namely through Victor Letsoalo, MacBeth Mahlangu and Khulumani Ndamane, Durban City held on to preserve their net as the score remained 0-0 at the break.

Durban City broke the deadlock immediately after the restart through Maseko, who’s initial attempt was saved. However, Maseko was on hand to follow through moments later and subsequently gave his side the lead with a right-footed effort inside the box.

Hunt and his charges doubled their advantage at the hour-mark after Mkhize joined Maseko on the scoresheet. Following a corner situation, Mkhize popped up at the right place with a header from the centre of the area.

With two goals to the good, Durban City often surrendered the goal to their opponents, however, Galaxy battled to find a way through after the 75th minute mark.

Nevertheless, Durban City proved to be a tough nut to crack on away soil and saw out the game with their clean sheet intact.

TS Galaxy: (0) 0

Durban City: (0) 2 (Maseko 46’, Mkhize 60’)

TS Galaxy: Ira, Motaung (Mncube 77’), Mahlangu, Ndamane, Sibande (Walters 77’), Maduna, Mgaga (Mbunjana 63’), Mhlambi, Dithejane, Mvelase (Letsoenyo 81’), Letsoalo

Durban City: Keet, Mkhize, De Kock, Ncanana, Maphathe, Maseko (Magawana 89’), Jodwana, Domingo, Poggenpoel, (Jurgens 81’) Mokwena, Kamatuka (Nodada 69’)