Can Durban City’s Joslin Kamatuka shine in PSL?

When Durban City clinched the 2024/25 National First Division (NFD) title, few players embodied their rise as much as Namibian forward Joslin Kamatuka. At 34, the veteran attacker became one of the league’s standout performers, playing with the kind of energy and efficiency that belied his age.

His goals, influence, and knack for producing moments of quality proved decisive in a season that returned Durban City to South Africa’s top flight status. 

Now, in the early stages of the 2025/26 Premiership season, can Kamatuka carry that form into the country’s most competitive football environment?

A star in the NFD

The numbers tell the story of Kamatuka’s value in the second tier. He appeared in 29 league matches, scoring 14 goals, finishing as the second-highest goalscorer in the NFD behind Muzomuhle Khanyi.

Those goals were not empty statistics—they powered Durban City’s title charge and eventual promotion. 

At the end of the campaign, Kamatuka earned a nomination for the Motsepe Foundation Championship Players’ Player of the Season. For a player who had already spent years plying his trade across Namibia and South Africa, it was a fitting reward for persistence and professionalism.

More importantly, it positioned him as one of the players expected to help Durban City bridge the gap between the second division and the unforgiving terrain of the PSL.

Early impressions in the PSL

Durban City began their first-ever Premiership campaign with a mixture of promise and hard lessons. For Kamatuka, his individual contributions have already proven noteworthy in the opening stretch.

In the season opener against TS Galaxy, he started the match and, while he couldn’t influence the result in a 2–0 defeat, he showed flashes of his link-up play.

Just days later, against Chippa United, he came off the bench and made an immediate impact, scoring an 88th-minute winner that sent the home crowd into raptures. It was Durban City’s first Premiership win, and Kamatuka was the hero (again). 

In the following draw with Golden Arrows, he was again used as an impact substitute, adding energy in the final third. Starting against Polokwane City, he nearly stole the headlines again, with one shot brilliantly saved and another rattling the crossbar in a tight 0–0 stalemate.

Most recently, he featured in the loss to Sekhukhune United, coming on at half-time but unable to turn the tide.

Kamatuka numbers 

Kamatuka’s statistical profile suggests a player still very capable of competing at the highest level. He currently boasts a goals-per-90 of 0.38, placing him in the 94th percentile of PSL forwards.

His shot accuracy sits at 50%, while his conversion rate of 25% confirms his efficiency in front of goal. Beyond scoring, he has contributed with two key passes and a perfect record in successful dribbles (100%), suggesting he can still create as well as finish.

His physicality makes in front him more than just a poacher—he’s an outlet, a link-up forward, and a problem for defenders.

The Hunt connect

Durban City head coach Gavin Hunt has made it clear that Kamatuka’s experience and work rate are invaluable in a young, relatively untested squad.

In a side still adapting to the pace of the Premiership, Kamatuka offers a measure of calm, leadership, and game-changing impact. So far, Hunt has used him as both a starter and an impact substitute.

The late winner against Chippa showcased the benefits of keeping him fresh for decisive moments, while his nearly decisive efforts against Polokwane proved he can still trouble defences from the opening whistle.

Whether he becomes a regular starter or remains a “super-sub” could define his campaign. Either way, his contributions are already tangible.

Can he shine across the full season?

The transition from the NFD to the Premiership is often unforgiving. The tempo is higher, the defenders sharper, and chances harder to come by. Yet, Kamatuka has shown that he belongs.

His goal against Chippa will likely live long in Durban City folklore as their first great PSL moment.

His statistical efficiency points to a player still operating at a very high level and his physical presence, coupled with his nose for goal, gives Durban City a reliable weapon in a season where every point will matter.

At 34, he may not play every minute, but his influence can extend far beyond the scoresheet. If Durban City are to establish themselves in the Premiership, Kamatuka’s blend of experience, efficiency, and leadership will be central to the cause.