Durban City marked their return from the Africa Cup of Nations break in style, edging Polokwane City 1–0 in a Betway Premiership clash played before a lively crowd at Chatsworth Stadium on Sunday evening.
It was a winning first competitive outing for head coach Sinethemba Badela, with the hosts dominating proceedings and creating the clearer chances. Trevor Mokwena’s well-taken header midway through the first half proved decisive.
The contest began evenly, with Polokwane City wasting an early opportunity in the eighth minute, ballooning a chance over the crossbar. Durban City responded through Athini Jodwana, whose two quick efforts were blocked, while Haashim Domingo sent a free kick narrowly over the bar.
As City settled into their rhythm, their growing confidence paid off in the 18th minute. Rising powerfully at the near post, Mokwena glanced a header into the top corner after a pinpoint corner delivery from Saziso Magawana.
The hosts pushed for a second, with Magawana dragging a low effort just wide in the 27th minute after creating space on the edge of the box. Ten minutes later, Mokwena was again in the thick of things but fired a left-footed half-volley over the bar after being played through on goal.
Durban City continued on the front foot after the break. Samkelo Maseko nearly doubled the advantage when he latched onto a long ball from the back, but from a tight angle his first-time strike flew over the crossbar.
Roared on by the home supporters, City produced some slick football and came close again in the 63rd minute, only for Magawana to see his effort ripple the side-netting after a flowing move. Moments later, Mokwena burst through the heart of the Polokwane defence but was thwarted by quick thinking from goalkeeper Brian Bwire, who raced off his line to smother the danger.
Polokwane City’s task became even harder late on when Puleng Tlolane was sent off for hauling down a goal-bound Thabo Nodada with three minutes of regulation time remaining.
Durban City nearly sealed the result in stoppage time as Kyle Jurgens set up Brooklyn Poggenpoel, but Bwire produced a stunning save to deny a second goal and keep the scoreline respectable.