Jean Luwamba of Durban City FC is challenged by Zebulon Mtshweni of Casric Stars FC during the 2026 Nedbank Cup semi-final match at Chatsworth Stadium on Saturday.
Image: BackpagePix
Durban City coach Pitso Dladla admitted it “wasn’t pretty” but praised his players’ resilience and discipline after they booked a historic first Nedbank Cup final berth with a 1-0 victory over Casric Stars at Chatsworth Stadium in Durban on Saturday.
Dladla conceded his side made life difficult for themselves, particularly after failing to build on their early advantage, courtesy of a Casric Stars own goal.
“In the first half we made things a little bit difficult. We had moments where we could have gone for a second goal but took our foot off the pedal and allowed them to play,” he said. “At that stage it was about protecting what we had.”
Casric threatened more after the break with a direct approach, but Dladla highlighted his midfield unit for standing firm.
“We had to make sure we win the first ball and secure the second ball. Brooklyn Poggenpoel and Thabo Nodada did exactly that,” he said. “A lot of work was done by the players – credit must go to them.”
While acknowledging a slice of fortune, the coach insisted City had earned their moment.
“In football you need luck, but you must make your own luck. It must be accompanied by hard work and proper planning,” he explained.
Dladla also pointed to strong leadership behind the scenes as key to the club’s rise, stressing that the achievement was a collective effort beyond the technical team.
Despite the milestone, he urged humility ahead of the final against TS Galaxy or Milford FC, who will contest Sunday's second semi-final.
“We must remain humble. Finals are very challenging and only the winners are remembered,” he said.
The victory, he added, would serve as a major confidence boost for a side determined to compete with the country’s top teams.
"Just imagine if we lost this game. I'm not saying we don't respect Casric Stars, but they are playing in a lower division. Should we have lost this game, we were going to lose confidenc," he said.
“This win gives the players belief that they are good enough. We are ambitious and want to stay within touching distance of the teams that are above us. I believe that we'll do well in the remaining games of the league.”