Durban eye first-ever CK quarterfinal spot with Polokwane win

Debutants Durban City will tussle it out against Polokwane City in the Carling Knockout Round of 16 match scheduled to be played at the Chatsworth Stadium on Friday.

Kick-off is at 7pm CAT.

CURRENT FORM

Durban bounced back to winning ways in style when they overcame Magesi FC 3-1 at home on September 27 and they were winless in two Betway Premiership matches before they faced Dikwena Tsa Meetse.

Established in 2024, the KwaZulu-Natal side will be making their debut appearance in the Carling Knockout and they will be hoping to enjoy a good cup run in a bid to win their first-ever major trophy.

Meanwhile, Polokwane are also brimming with confidence after they returned to winning ways with a 1-0 win over Sekhukhune United at home on 27 September and Orbit College had ended their five-match unbeaten run in the Betway Premiership.

Rise and Shine's best run in the Carling Knockout came in 2017 when they reached the semifinals, where they were eliminated by Bloemfontein Celtic and they will be looking to go one step further and go as far as the final.

TEAM NEWS

Durban and Polokwane have no suspension concerns, and they are yet to report injuries in their camps as they head into the South African league cup clash.

WHAT WAS SAID?

Durban City head coach Gavin Hunt

“I will not be too excited when we win, and I will not be too low when we lose,” Hunt said.

“We will be playing against another physical, strong side [in Polokwane City]. It won’t be easy, but we will prepare well for the clash.”

Polokwane City head coach Phuti Mohafe

“It’s a big win for us. Beating a team that has been abusing us for this long since the inception of the Premier League, Sekhukhune in the Premier League," Mohafe said.

"And Polokwane City, I don’t remember us beating them, I don’t know after how many seasons. So, we are making and we are breaking records.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Letsie Koapeng, Durban City: The experienced striker has scored twice in four matches since joining the KZN side and he will pose a threat to the Rise, and Shine defence with deadly runs in the box.

Bonginkosi Dlamini, Polokwane City: The 29-year-old forward will carry Polokwane's hopes of advancing to the quarterfinals, having scored the most goals (two) for the team this season.

Head-to-Head (since 2025/26)

PREVIOUS CUP MEETINGS

N/A – This will be the first cup meeting between Durban City and Polokwane City.