Durban City head coach Pitso Dladla has credited Luphumlo ‘Kaka’ Sifumba for providing the decisive spark in their Nedbank Cup final victory over TS Galaxy.
The Citizens produced a stirring second-half turnaround in Polokwane to win 2–1, overturning a half-time deficit caused by a Jean Lubumba own goal and securing the club’s first major trophy.
Dladla admitted his side were in control during the opening period but lacked cutting edge in key moments.
“We were in control in the first half but did not have the required intensity. We created chances, but they were not clear enough,” he explained to SuperSport TV.
The game shifted dramatically after the introduction of the energetic young midfielder ‘Kaka’ at the start of the second half.
“His energy rubbed off on the rest of the team and we started to take control of the match,” said Dladla.
The coach revealed that his half-time instructions focused on belief, urgency and marginal improvements in performance.
“We told the players it was not a game to lose but to win. We needed just five to ten per cent more effort and to play higher up the pitch,” he said.
Durban City responded with renewed intensity, scoring twice to complete the comeback before showing defensive discipline to protect their lead.
Once ahead, Dladla praised his experienced backline, including Darren Keet, Mkhize, Ncanana, Gcaba and Jalai, for seeing out the pressure.
“We believed we could get the second goal, and once it came, we had to defend strongly until the end,” he added.
Beyond Sifumba’s influence, Dladla also pointed to Durban City’s psychological advantage, having previously beaten TS Galaxy twice in the league and eliminated them in cup competition last season.
“That history gave us belief. The players knew we had already done it before,” he said.
The victory caps a remarkable debut top-flight campaign for Durban City following their promotion from the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
The win also guarantees qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup, marking a significant milestone in the club’s rapid rise.
Dladla stressed that the success was rooted in unity within the technical team and squad.
“It is always a collective effort. We plan, argue and decide together. No one works alone,” he said.
Attention now turns back to the Betway Premiership, where Durban City continue their fight for a top-eight finish with four matches remaining.
Currently seventh on 36 points, they face a decisive run-in against Siwelele, Stellenbosch, Orlando Pirates and AmaZulu as they aim to complete a historic season.