Durban City brace for historic first KZN derby against Golden Arrows
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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.
I say it again, we know you were harshly done by the municipality but for the sake of football return this club back to Maritzburg. No wrong can do right another wrong right. Be the bigger biggest person and take this club back home for the sake of the club, football and people. — Computha Mdletshe (@khomputha1) August 17, 2025
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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.
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