Ex-Sundowns coach off to winning start at Durban City

Durban City resumed their Betway Premiership campaign with a 1-0 victory over Polokwane City on Sunday evening, marking a successful debut for new coach Sinethemba Badela.

Badela’s appointment has drawn attention given his impressive coaching journey. He previously worked alongside Rulani Mokwena at Mamelodi Sundowns, followed him to Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca, and has now returned to South Africa to take charge of Chippa United before stepping into his latest role at Durban City.

For his first game in charge, Badela made three changes to the starting line-up. Debutant Emmanuel Jallai, Trevor Mokwena, and Kyle Jurgens were all handed starts, while Polokwane gave Thobela Tshikweta a rare opportunity.

Mokwena justified his inclusion by scoring the opener in the 18th minute, rising to meet a corner from Saziso Magawana and heading past goalkeeper Brian Bwire. The same duo combined again shortly after, with Mokwena laying off a pass for Magawana, though the latter’s effort drifted wide.

Polokwane threatened late in the first half, as Tshikweta’s first-time strike flashed across the face of goal. Durban responded with pressure of their own, Mokwena nearly doubling the lead with a fierce effort from a tight angle that skimmed just over the crossbar.

After the interval, Puleng Marema replaced Banele Mnguni in the visitors’ first substitution. Durban continued to press, with Jurgens forcing Bwire into a save from a low free-kick. Magawana later spurned a golden chance, toe-poking wide with the goal at his mercy.

Polokwane’s hopes of a comeback faded when Marema was sent off for a professional foul, reducing Rise and Shine to ten men. Durban City held firm and secured the three points, giving Badela a winning start in charge.

Confirmed Line-ups

Durban City: Keet, Jalai, Mkhize, Gcaba, Mashego, Jurgens, Jodwana, Maseko, Mokwena, Domingo, Magawana

Polokwane City: Bwire, Matuludi, Nikani, Motsa, Nkaki, Kambala, Maphangule, Sebone, Mnguni, Mashini, Tshikweta