Hunt urges Durban City to seize points before facing Premiership heavyweights

Durban City coach Gavin Hunt believes their encouraging start to the Betway Premiership will count for little if they fail to capitalise on matches before facing the league’s elite.

The top-flight newcomers have picked up seven points from their opening three fixtures, beating established sides and holding their own in their maiden KZN derby against Golden Arrows. Hunt admits that while there is still much to improve on, he is satisfied with the foundation laid.

“If someone offered me seven points at the start of the season, I would have taken it. We’re going to try and get as many as we can before playing the big hitters, but we will keep getting better as well,” he said.

Durban City head to Limpopo this week for back-to-back clashes, first against Polokwane City on Tuesday evening before taking on Sekhukhune United on Saturday. The quick turnaround and extended stay away from home will be a test of the squad’s depth and character.

“Obviously a lot of new players came in, and so we’ve got to find a way to keep winning, and we’ve got two tough tests now coming up,” Hunt explained.

“It’s going to be very difficult because we’re going to be there the entire week, so we have to prepare ourselves well mentally and prepare for both of them individually.”

The four-time league-winning coach was appointed ahead of the campaign to guide City in their first season back in the Premiership. Early signs point to a team eager to adapt, and Hunt has been pleasantly surprised with the commitment and mindset shown by his squad.

“I’ve been very surprised and pleased with what I’ve walked into. There’s a good mentality from the players, there’s a good crop of human beings, and that’s the most important thing for me — we can work with each other,” he said.

That collective spirit has been key to City’s solid start, but Hunt knows sterner tests lie ahead. The Limpopo trip represents both opportunity and danger — a chance to add to their points tally before facing traditional giants such as Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, and Kaizer Chiefs.

For Hunt, the focus is simple: accumulate as many points as possible now, build confidence, and ensure the squad is ready when the “big hitters” come calling.

City may be new to the Premiership, but under Hunt’s guidance, they are showing they have no intention of simply making up the numbers.

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