How Durban City benefited from its victory over Polokwane City!

Africa 25 January 2026 at 06:22

Hazem Mlhem

News Editor

Newly appointed head coach Sinethemba Badela oversaw a winning start as the Durban Team of Choice claimed a hard-fought 1-0 home victory. Badela initiated his tenure with three changes to the starting lineup, handing debuts to Emmanuel Jallai, Trevor Mokwena, and Kyle Jurgens. The visitors, Rise and Shine, offered a rare start to Thobela Tshikweta.

The home side's new signings made an immediate impact. The breakthrough arrived in the 18th minute when Trevor Mokwena connected with a Saziso Magawana corner, directing a powerful header past goalkeeper Brian Bwire. The duo nearly combined for a second goal shortly after; Mokwena created space outside the box and slipped a pass to Magawana, but the latter's shot drifted wide.

Rise and Shine grew into the game towards the end of the first half, threatening an equalizer when Tshikweta's first-time effort flashed across the face of goal. Durban responded before the interval, with Mokwena again coming close as his angled shot whistled just over the crossbar.

The visitors made a tactical change at halftime, introducing long-serving veteran Puleng Marema for Banele Mnguni. Despite this, the Team of Choice maintained control. Kyle Jurgens tested Bwire with a low, driven free-kick, forcing a sharp save.

Magawana spurned a golden opportunity to double the lead midway through the half, skewing a close-range toe-poke wide after being set up in the box. The match's dynamics shifted when Rise and Shine were reduced to ten men; substitute Marema received a straight red card for a professional foul.

Despite numerical superiority and pressing for a clinching second goal in the dying moments, the Durban side had to settle for the single goal. The 1-0 scoreline was enough, however, to secure all three points and deliver a victorious start for Coach Sinethemba Badela.