Rejuvenated Hunt ready for Durban City challenge

Largely known as a legendary figure in South African football, Gavin Hunt will now impart his vast coaching knowledge with Durban City, who will face TS Galaxy in their opening 2025/26 Betway Premiership fixture at the Mbombela Stadium on Sunday.

Kick-off is at 3:00pm (CAT, GMT+2).

CURRENT FORM

After gaining promotion to the PSL at the end of the 24/25 season, Durban City will now put themselves among the best teams in South African football. Durban City recently concluded an impressive pre-season showing, following victories against Milford FC and AmaZulu, respectively.

The Rockets, on the other hand, will head into the new league season on the back of a 3-2 loss against Sekhukhune United in the MTN 8 quarterfinals, in a match that took place at the Peter Mokaba Stadium last Saturday.

WHAT WAS SAID

While TS Galaxy were hit with transfer bans because of reported contractual disputes with various players, the Rockets technical director Nermin Basic recently expressed that the club have now resolved their issues.

“I think we fixed everything,” Basic said.

“But it’s not a question for me. I’m just on the pitch, and I think this is the question for the President.

“But what I have information, I think we fixed everything. What we have, we don’t have problems now.”

As for Durban City, Hunt glowingly mentioned that he is ready to go in KwaZulu-Natal as he reflected on the upcoming 25/26 campaign.

“Anytime you go to a new team, it gives you a new lease of life. You fall in love with the game again,” Hunt said.

“Sometimes you fall out of love with the game when things happen like it happened. But it is what it is.

“The league is very competitive. Anybody can beat anybody. But there are obviously one or two teams that are better. That’s going to be the challenge.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

TS Galaxy: Sedwyn George – As part of nine new reported signings by Galaxy, the SA football veteran will come in as a senior player in the dressing room. Known for his movement and box IQ, the forward will also bring a sense of calm to the Rockets' frontline.

Durban City: Haashim Domingo – formerly of Mamelodi Sundowns and Cape Town City, Domingo remains a top attacking midfielder in PSL football. With the ability to unlock defences with guile and skill, Domingo also provides a goal threat in and out of the 18-yard area.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

N/A – This will be the first league meeting of TS Galaxy and Durban City.