Durban City brace for historic first KZN derby against Golden Arrows

Durban City FC will step into uncharted territory on Tuesday evening when they contest their first-ever KwaZulu-Natal derby in the Betway Premiership against Golden Arrows at Chatsworth Stadium, with kick-off set for 7.30pm.

Having begun life in the top flight with encouraging results, the newcomers will approach this clash with a balance of confidence and caution. 

For a club still finding its rhythm among the elite, the magnitude of facing an established KZN side in a derby setting will test their character as much as their ability. City have made a strong case for themselves in the early rounds. 

Under Gavin Hunt’s experienced hand, they have opened the season with back-to-back victories, a statement that has raised eyebrows across the league and set the tone for their campaign. Now, the derby will not only provide a litmus test of their progress but also a symbolic milestone in the club’s modern era.

Attacking midfielder Haashim Domingo has been central to that progress, and he believes the collective mentality has carried City through the early battles.

“I think we, we started very well,” said Domingo.

"We executed the coaches’ plans and the technical staff’s plans very well. I think what will be very important for us is to be consistent, to persevere, and to continue putting in the hard work. I think that really helped us a lot, with the start of the campaign.

"I think in the first two games, what we did really well was that we maintained our mentality. Our never-give-up spirit.

"We played exactly to the coaches’ plans, and I think that really helped us. That’s what we did right in those first two games. You know, the mentality, the winning mentality, the fight, and the desire to win.”

While City have enjoyed the perfect start, Arrows have had a mixed opening. They fell to Siwelele FC on the opening weekend but responded with an emphatic KZN derby win of their own, overcoming Richards Bay with style last Tuesday. 

That result underlined the firepower and energy within their ranks, particularly in attack, where pace and movement remain their biggest strengths.

Mngqithi, one of the most experienced coaches in the South African game, has proven over the years that he knows how to balance flair with tactical structure. His ability to nurture young talent while maintaining discipline in key areas has kept Arrows competitive against more resourced opponents. 

The Durban-based side thrives on quick transitions, hard running, and collective pressing — attributes that could unsettle City if they are not fully focused.

Arrows’ seasoned campaigners also bring invaluable experience to a fixture that often demands calm heads. 

For City, this derby represents another step in their Premiership journey, but for Arrows, it is an opportunity to assert their dominance as KZN’s established side. Tuesday night’s clash at Chatsworth Stadium promises to be more than just a battle for three points — it will be a statement of intent for both teams in a season still finding its rhythm.