Durban City FC will begin a new chapter on Sunday afternoon as newly appointed head coach Sinethemba Badela takes charge of his first competitive fixture when the Citizens host Polokwane City FC at home in the Betway Premiership.
Currently placed eighth on the log after 15 matches, Durban City have enjoyed a commendable return to top-flight football following promotion, establishing themselves as a competitive and organised outfit, they have enjoyed a solid return to the Betway Premiership.
Sunday’s encounter presents an important opportunity to build on a promising first half of the season and set the tone for the remainder of the campaign.
Badela, who was appointed during the recent international break, has welcomed the opportunity to settle into his new role, with the AFCON pause providing valuable preparation time.
“It’s been amazing so far, getting to know the club, the staff and the players,” said Badela. “The break has helped us a lot. We’ve had about three weeks to work, and the players have been responding very well.”
Rather than introducing sweeping changes, the new head coach has focused on reinforcing a set of core principles, mindful of the limited time available before competitive football resumed.
“For us, it’s not about changing too many things,” he explained. “We’ve introduced a few principles, and the players have been following them well.
The technical team has been very supportive, and most importantly, the players have been working extremely hard.”
Durban City’s preparations included intensive training sessions and two friendly matches, giving the technical team an opportunity to assess the squad, sharpen match fitness, and build momentum ahead of Sunday’s fixture.
The coach was also quick to acknowledge the unwavering support of the club’s faithful, who have played a key role in Durban City’s recent rise.
“Our supporters have been incredible,” he said. “They pushed the team during the promotion campaign and continue to do so. Even this season, they’ve been there in big moments, pushing the players right until the end.”
Standing in their way is a disciplined and well-drilled Polokwane City side, widely regarded as one of the league’s most consistent performers this season.
Polokwane City boast one of the strongest defensive records in the Premiership and have suffered only a handful of defeats, underlining the challenge that awaits the hosts.
“All games in the PSL are difficult, and Polokwane City are a very good team,” Badela noted. “They are well coached, organised and don’t lose many games.”
He added: “We are expecting a tough game against a very well-coached side. They’ve been together for a few seasons now, and that shows.”
As Durban City return to league action, Sunday’s fixture offers supporters their first glimpse of Badela’s vision as the club continues its journey in the Betway Premiership.
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