Durban City’s six-game winless streak has left them in a precarious position, with only two games remaining in the season. Despite their solid foundation at the back and in midfield, they have struggled to find the back of the net, with a lack of composure up front being their major issue.
Their latest outing against Stellenbosch at Chatsworth Stadium was a wet and muddy affair, with the poor drainage at the stadium making it difficult for both teams to play their usual game. However, Durban City coach Pitso Dladla acknowledged that the rain was not an excuse for their lack of goals, and that his team needs to work on their finishing.
Durban City’s Struggles
With Polokwane City closing the gap on them, Durban City’s chances of finishing in the top eight are looking slim. They have scored more goals than Polokwane, but have also conceded more, making them a vulnerable team at the moment. Polokwane’s upcoming game against Golden Arrows will be a crucial one, and Durban City can only hope for a draw to keep their top eight hopes alive.
According to the Premier Soccer League website, the top eight teams will qualify for the MTN8 tournament next season. With Durban City already set to play in the CAF football tournament, adding the MTN8 to their schedule could be a daunting task. However, as the Confederation of African Football website notes, playing in international tournaments can be a great opportunity for teams to gain experience and exposure.
A Blessing in Disguise?
Slipping out of the top eight could be a blessing in disguise for Durban City, as it would give them a chance to focus on their CAF football campaign and the Nedbank Cup. The R7 million payday from their Nedbank Cup win will surely help the team invest in their future and build a stronger squad. Here are some key points to consider:
- Durban City’s lack of squad depth has been a major issue this season
- The team has struggled with consistency, but has shown flashes of brilliance
- The Nedbank Cup win has injected a sense of belief into the team and the club
However, their next game against Orlando Pirates will be a tough one, with the Buccaneers looking to dethrone Mamelodi Sundowns. Durban City’s defensive line will be tested like never before, and they will need to be at their best to get a positive result.
