“Everything Went According to Plan” — Dladla Reveals Masterstroke Behind Durban City’s Historic Nedbank Cup Triumph

Durban City’s fairytale Nedbank Cup victory has taken on even greater significance after interim head coach Pitso Dladla revealed that their tactical approach unfolded exactly as planned in Saturday’s final.

The KwaZulu-Natal side made history at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, defeating TS Galaxy 2–1 to become the first team from the province to lift the Nedbank Cup.

The final delivered drama from start to finish, with striker Jean Lwamba at the centre of it all. Galaxy took the lead just before halftime when Lwamba inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, giving the Mpumalanga side a 1–0 advantage at the break.

However, Durban City responded with determination in the second half. Mfanafuthi Mkhize brought the team level in the 58th minute, shifting momentum in favour of the KZN outfit.

Lwamba then completed his redemption arc in the 72nd minute, finding the back of the net at the right end to seal a memorable victory for Durban City.

Speaking after the match, Dladla credited meticulous planning and tactical discipline for the triumph, revealing that his side had anticipated TS Galaxy’s approach.

“I think we planned well for the game, we did not have any surprises,” Dladla said. “What also helped us was the fact that TS Galaxy, under the leadership of coach Bernard Parker, had to play a league game before the final.”

“We were worried because we didn’t know what he could deploy. But we were happy to see that the structure did not change, meaning all our preparations were in line.”

Durban City defeated TS Galaxy 2-1 to win their first ever Nedbank Cup title (Image Nedbank)

The victory marks Durban City’s first major trophy since their promotion to the Betway Premiership and secures a lucrative R7 million prize, along with qualification for continental competition next season.

Durban City’s triumph has been widely celebrated as a breakthrough moment for football in KwaZulu-Natal, ending a long wait for silverware at this level.