No time to sulk: Gavin Hunt demands reaction from Durban City against Marumo Gallants

Durban City head coach Gavin Hunt has urged calm and resilience from his players as they look to halt their recent slump when they host Marumo Gallants at Chatsworth Stadium on Wednesday evening (7.30pm kick-off).

City head into the midweek clash under pressure, having suffered three consecutive defeats for the first time this season — a run that has dampened the early optimism surrounding their strong start to life in the Betway Premiership.

The most recent setback came in heartbreaking fashion, as Kaizer Chiefs snatched a late victory at Moses Mabhida Stadium last Friday.

Despite the result, Hunt remains upbeat, insisting his young side must channel their disappointment into a positive response.

“Obviously we’re disappointed with the result,” Hunt admitted, reflecting on the narrow loss in front of a packed Durban crowd. “We showed real tenacity and caused them problems.”

Hunt’s message in the wake of that setback has been consistent: focus forward, not backward. With a demanding schedule ahead, he has refused to let frustration linger and has instead emphasised the importance of perspective — particularly for a squad built largely around youthful energy and potential.

“It’s a young team. Players came in quickly, we’re building, so we’re going to have bumps,” he said. “These results don’t help you, but they also build you.”

Having endured tough spells throughout his long and decorated coaching career, Hunt knows that periods like these are part of the growth curve. For him, what matters most is how his team responds.

“We can’t dwell on it,” he stressed. “We have to pick ourselves up and look forward to Wednesday. We have to go again and try to get a result.”

City’s performance against Chiefs offered encouragement despite the defeat. They frustrated the visitors for much of the encounter, limiting chances and maintaining their structure until a late lapse of concentration proved costly.

Hunt has taken that as proof that the fundamentals are in place — they just need refinement and maturity.

“In football, you have to give yourself something to hold onto,” he said after the match. “If you don’t score, you don’t have a chance — but we’ll keep working.”

Wednesday’s clash with Gallants provides a chance to reset. Hunt’s side will be eager to end their losing streak and restore belief, while also making the most of home advantage.

For the veteran coach, this fixture is about more than just three points — it’s about reaffirming the team’s direction and spirit.

Under Hunt’s leadership, Durban City have shown they can play with structure and intent. Now, they must pair that with results. And as they prepare to face Gallants, Hunt’s challenge is simple yet profound: to turn adversity into momentum and ensure this young group learns quickly what it takes to compete at the top level.