While the spotlight has largely been on South Africa’s traditional football giants, Durban City are quietly making waves in the CAF Confederation Cup, moving to within one step of securing a place in the competition’s prestigious top 16.
The KwaZulu-Natal outfit has made an encouraging start to its maiden continental campaign, recording two victories in the preliminary rounds to put itself in a strong position to reach the group stages.
City continued their impressive run with a 3-1 victory over Mauritius’ AS Port Louis 2000 in the first leg of their second preliminary-round encounter at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Sunday, 18 October.
Goals from Haashim Domingo, Gaston Sirino and Tashreeq Morris handed the Citizens a two-goal advantage ahead of Sunday’s return fixture in Mauritius.
Domingo opened the scoring before Sirino doubled the home side’s lead shortly after the restart. AS Port Louis fought back to reduce the deficit, but Morris converted a stoppage-time penalty to give City some breathing space heading into the decisive second leg.
The result followed Durban City’s successful passage through the first preliminary round, where they eliminated Burundi’s Rukinzo FC 3-1 on aggregate after winning the first leg 1-0.
With two victories behind them, City are now firmly in contention for a place in the group stages, where Africa’s leading clubs compete for continental honours.
However, the job is not yet complete. The Citizens must negotiate the return leg against AS Port Louis on Sunday, 25 October, to confirm their progression.
A place in the group stages would represent another significant achievement for a club enjoying a memorable period in its history.
Nedbank Cup success opens continental doors
Durban City’s continental adventure follows their historic Nedbank Cup triumph, which secured their qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup.
The Citizens defeated TS Galaxy 2-1 in the final at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane in May, earning the right to represent South Africa in Africa’s second-tier club competition.
Their early performances suggest they are determined to make the most of that opportunity.
While much of the attention has traditionally centred on established continental campaigners such as Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, Durban City are quietly building a reputation of their own.
Their immediate task is to complete the job against AS Port Louis and book their place among the 16 teams in the group stage.
For a club making its debut on the continental stage, qualification would be a major statement of intent.
Durban City may not be making the loudest noise in African football, but their results are beginning to speak for themselves.