Usuthu snatch derby win as Fielies rises to the occasion

AmaZulu (1) 1 Felies 88’

Durban City (0) 0

Taariq Fielies was the unlikely hero for AmaZulu as his late header settled a fiercely contested Durban Derby against Durban City at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The towering centre-back rose highest in a crowded box in the 88th minute, glancing home a pinpoint delivery from Nkosikhona Radebe’s free-kick to hand Usuthu a dramatic 1–0 victory and the bragging rights in this new chapter of Durban football rivalry.

It was a fitting reward for Arthur Zwane’s men, who had to dig deep to break down a spirited and disciplined City side that showed again why they’ve quickly earned respect in the Betway Premiership.

The first half offered a fresh take on the derby, with both sides showing intent and energy despite coming off an international break.

Gavin Hunt’s men, riding the momentum of their Carling Knockout Round of 16 win before the pause, fielded an unchanged lineup, backing the same eleven that got the job done.

Across the technical area, Zwane opted for some tactical tweaks, rewarding several players who impressed off the bench in AmaZulu’s previous outing against Magesi. 

The return of midfield anchor Siyanda Hlangabeza added stability in the middle of the park after his one-match suspension.

City started on the front foot, showing no signs of intimidation despite being the newcomers to the top flight. 

They registered the first four shots on goal, moving the ball swiftly and pressing AmaZulu into mistakes in the early exchanges.

Usuthu eventually settled and began to find their rhythm, using their pace out wide to stretch City’s defensive lines.

The hosts nearly took the lead midway through the first half when Thabiso Kutumela connected with a well-measured cross, only for Darren Keet to produce a stunning close-range save that kept the score level.

That chance sparked life into AmaZulu, who began dictating play, but City’s compact defensive structure ensured the sides went into the break locked at 0-0 — a fair reflection of a competitive and entertaining opening half.

The tempo dipped slightly after the restart, with both teams cautious not to give much away.

Hunt was first to blink, sending on Haashim Domingo on the hour mark to add more creativity in attack. Martín responded minutes later, introducing Nkosikhona Radebe and Sandile Mthethwa for a late push.

It was a decision that would prove decisive. With two minutes left on the clock, Radebe delivered a teasing ball into the box, and Fielies rose above everyone to steer home the winner — sparking wild celebrations among the AmaZulu faithful.

The result lifted AmaZulu’s confidence ahead of a short break before they return to action in early November, while City will quickly turn their focus to a Carling Knockout quarter-final trip to KwaZulu-Natal rivals Richards Bay FC.