Durban City
By Sello Masilo
Durban City struck late to defeat Chippa United 1-0 in their Betway Premiership match at the Chatsworth Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Durban City continued their strong start to the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season with a gritty 1-0 victory over Chippa United, thanks to a dramatic 88th-minute winner from substitute Joslin Kamatuka. The win at Chatsworth Stadium marked back-to-back triumphs for the newly promoted side following their opening success against TS Galaxy, propelling them level on points with Kaizer Chiefs, Marumo Gallants, and Sekhukhune United at the top of the log. For Chippa United, who impressed with a 1-1 draw against reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns in their opener, this defeat highlighted their defensive resilience but exposed a lack of attacking threat, leaving them winless after two games.        
Under head coach Gavin Hunt, Durban City dominated much of the first half, enjoying spells of possession and creating early chances. In the 13th minute, Haashim Domingo—celebrating his birthday—came inches away from opening the scoring. The midfielder whipped a fierce shot goalwards from Bokang Mokwena’s pass, only to see it rebound off the upright with Chippa goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali beaten. Domingo, a key signing from the relegated Cape Town City, has quickly become a focal point for Durban’s midfield creativity, bringing his experience from over 150 PSL appearances and a reputation for precise passing and long-range efforts.   Chippa, coached by Sinethemba Badela, gradually gained a foothold around the midway point of the half by asserting physicality and using tactical fouls to disrupt City’s rhythm. This approach limited the hosts’ attacking flow, and the visitors offered little going forward, resulting in a goalless first 45 minutes where neither side truly tested the keepers beyond Domingo’s near-miss.
The second half remained scrappy and disjointed, with Durban City looking the more likely to score but struggling for cohesion against a deep-sitting Chippa defence. One promising moment came in the 80th minute when Domingo again had a sight of goal, but by the time he shot, several defenders had crowded the box to block his effort. Chippa’s backline, anchored by players like Thabo Ndlovu and Justice Chabalala, showed impressive organisation, conceding just one goal in their first two matches of the season. However, their attack was blunt, managing only three shots on target across the game compared to City’s five, with an expected goals (xG) value of 0.4 against City’s 1.2, underscoring their lack of penetration.  
The deadlock was finally broken in the 88th minute through a moment of quality. Jean Lwamba, a Congolese forward known for his pace and crossing ability, delivered a superb low ball from the left flank. Substitute Joslin Kamatuka, the 34-year-old Namibian international who returned to Durban City after initial contract disputes, provided a crisp finish at the near post with his right foot. Kamatuka, who played a pivotal role in the club’s promotion from the Motsepe Foundation Championship last season with 12 goals, has now scored in both of Durban’s opening Premiership fixtures, making him an early contender for the league’s top scorer. His goal, described by fans as “pure class,” came from the edge of the box and nestled into the bottom corner, leaving Nwabali with no chance.        
Post-match, Durban City coach Gavin Hunt praised his team’s persistence but urged focus moving forward. “We would have been up at least 2-0 in the first half, but Chippa’s defence was solid. The boys showed great fighting spirit to keep pushing, and Joslin’s finish was world-class. But we can’t get carried away—it’s early days in a tough league,” Hunt told reporters. He highlighted the importance of home form, noting the lively support at Chatsworth Stadium, which drew over 8,000 fans for the club’s first top-flight home game. On the other side, Chippa coach Sinethemba Badela expressed disappointment over the late concession but commended his players’ resilience. “We defended well and frustrated them, but one lapse cost us. We need to offer more in attack if we’re to pick up points. No room for complacency— we’ll learn and bounce back,” Badela said, echoing his pre-season warnings to the squad.     
Player ratings from sources like Sofascore reflected standout efforts. For Durban City, Domingo earned Man of the Match honours with an 8.2/10 for his creativity (90% pass accuracy, 3 key passes), while Kamatuka (7.8/10) was lauded for his impact off the bench. Goalkeeper Darren Keet (7.5/10), a veteran signing from Cape Town City, kept a clean sheet with two saves. Chippa’s Nwabali (7.4/10) made three crucial stops, and defender Andile Mbenyane (7.2/10) was solid, but forward Ayabulela Konqobe (6.0/10) struggled to create chances.   Overall stats showed Durban City with 58% possession, 12 shots (5 on target) to Chippa’s 8 (3 on target), and 6 corners to 4, underlining their control despite the late decider.
Fan reactions on social media were electric, with X users celebrating Durban City’s dream start. One post read: “JOSLIN KAMATUKA ON FIRE! Joslin Kamatuka scores the winning goal against Chippa… 2 games for Joslin 2 goals,” garnering hundreds of likes. Another fan noted: “Durban City FC 1 vs Chippa United Football Club 0… Betway Premier Soccer League Results.” Pre-match buzz included lineups shared widely, and predictions favouring a home win at odds of 1.39. Chippa supporters expressed frustration over the lack of goals, with comments like “We had opportunities but no finish.”        
Durban City, a club with roots in KwaZulu-Natal football and promoted after winning the Motsepe Foundation Championship, boasts a squad blending experience and youth. Key players include Kamatuka (Namibian forward, 34, with a history at Maritzburg United), Domingo (midfielder, 30, known for vision), and Keet (goalkeeper, 35, over 200 PSL caps). Chippa, based in Gqeberha, rely on a mix of local talent like Eva Nga and veterans, but their attack has scored just once in two games.       
Both teams return to action next midweek: Chippa host TS Galaxy, while Durban City face local rivals Golden Arrows in another Natal derby at Chatsworth. For Durban, maintaining this momentum could signal a strong debut season; for Chippa, improving their attack will be key to avoiding a relegation scrap.  
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