Hunt reflects on Durban City’s masterclass in cup win

Durban City FC coach Gavin Hunt was full of praise for his squad following their hard-fought 4-1 victory in extra time against Polokwane City FC, a Carling Knockout Cup match defined by late drama and a sensational individual performance.

Hunt’s troops opened their first-ever top-flight cup campaign at Chatsworth Stadium in Durban on Friday. After holding a 12th-minute lead for the majority of the game, Durban City seemed destined for a routine win until a moment of misfortune in the 88th minute. Defender Fezile Gcaba conceded a penalty after handling the ball in the box, allowing Rise and Shine to equalise and force the game into extra time.

However, Durban City showed tremendous resilience as they came back, scoring three additional goals in extra time to seal the 4-1 victory and book a place in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals.

Disappointment Turns to Delight For Gavin Hunt and Durban City

🗣️ Coach Gavin Hunt

“We played some good stuff, in the first half especially. I am proud of the players. We showed good character and we are happy to go through to the next round.” #DurbanCityFC pic.twitter.com/rredcZ6AAp

— Durban City FC (@DurbanCity_FC) October 3, 2025

Reflecting on the final minutes of regular time, Hunt admitted his frustration but praised his team’s earlier efforts.

“I was disappointed when they scored the equaliser with two or three minutes to go,” Hunt said. “But I thought we could have wrapped it up in the first half. I think in the first half, we were really good; we played some good football. We just lacked the final connection with the pass or whatever it was.”

The veteran mentor, who has managed several of the country’s biggest clubs, credited his team’s consistency to strong squad management.

“We have got a nice, tight group of players,” he explained. “I think the players want to learn, they want to improve. When you have a nice little tight team, everybody is playing a part, and that’s all you can ask for. Keep it simple and don’t complicate things. Once you keep it simple, the football will come out.”