Maseko and Mkhize inspire Durban City’s perfect Premiership start

Durban City marked their first match under their current identity in the South Africa’s top flight with a statement performance, brushing aside TS Galaxy 2-0 at the Mbombela Stadium on Sunday.

It was the perfect start to the Gavin Hunt-era, with goals from Samukelo Maseko and Mfanafuthi Mkhize sealing all three points for the KwaZulu-Natal outfit, formerly known as Maritzburg United. The match began with City showing no signs of being overwhelmed by the occasion, despite facing a Galaxy side guided by Adnan Beganovic. 

Hunt’s charges pressed high and nearly broke the deadlock as early as the 15th minute when Haashim Domingo, lively throughout, almost scrambled home after Trevor Mokwena’s low cross caused panic in the hosts’ box.

That warning seemed to spur Galaxy into life. They began dictating the tempo, pinning City back and finding joy in wide areas. 

Seluleko Mahlambi’s pace was a constant threat, but a poor touch in the 24th minute squandered a promising opportunity. Victor Letsoalo also went close in the 39th minute after confusion at the back, but Darren Keet’s experience and command of his box ensured City went into the break unscathed.

After a goalless first half, City exploded out of the blocks in the second stanza. Barely a minute after the restart, winger Maseko silenced the home crowd, finishing clinically to hand the visitors their first goal of the campaign.

Galaxy’s response was immediate in terms of intent, but their execution in the final third continued to frustrate. And they were punished again just past the hour mark. 

From a well-worked set-piece, Mkhize muscled past his marker and powered a header beyond the helpless Tape Ira from Domingo’s pinpoint delivery. With a two-goal cushion, City adjusted their approach, sitting deeper and inviting Galaxy forward while looking to strike on the counter. 

The hosts enjoyed more possession but lacked the guile to penetrate a disciplined City backline marshalled superbly by Brooklyn Poggenpoel.

For City, the result was more than just three points. It was a sign that the club’s investment in experience – bringing in the likes of Keet, Domingo, and Poggenpoel – could pay off handsomely. 

There was also a notable boost in the form of Joslin Kamatuka, last season’s top scorer, who returned to the line-up despite reports of his departure in the off-season.

Hunt will take plenty of encouragement from the manner in which his side absorbed pressure and struck decisively, a hallmark of his previous successes. 

Galaxy, meanwhile, will be left to rue their missed chances and lack of sharpness in front of goal.

City now carry early-season momentum into their next fixture, while Beganovic’s men face questions about how quickly they can find their rhythmn in the Betway Premiership’s unforgiving environment.