By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Durban City were crowned Nedbank Cup champions after coming back from behind to beat TS Galaxy 2-1 in the final at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday, May 2.
City claimed the Nedbank Cup for the first time in their history, having lost the 2018 decider to Free State Stars when the club still campaigned as Maritzburg United.
It was a reward for their interim coach Pitso Dladla, who won the first major trophy of his career.
Galaxy, who were 2019 winners while still in the second tier, could not repeat that feat in their second final appearance.
Neither team created many chances in the first half, but TS Galaxy threatened first when Victor Letsoalo cleared the crossbar at the back post after being set up by Mpho Mvelase.
With two minutes to halftime, City forward Jean Lwamba went back to his own half to defend but ended up beating his own goalkeeper Darren Keet, to hand TS Galaxy the lead.
The Congolese forward tried to clear a cross into the box and beat Seluleko Mahlambi to the ball, but mistakenly fired into his own net.
City drew level 13 minutes after the restart of the second half. Poor defending by TS Galaxy allowed a cross to pass locate Man of the Match Mfanafuthi Mkhize who connected to beat Ira Tape in goals for the Rockets
Lwamba then turned from villain to hero with City’s winner after picking a set-up from Luphumlo Sifumba before releasing an out-footer past Tape.
Durban City: D. Keet, F. Gcaba (E. Jalai 80′), S. Ncanana, M. Mkhize, T. Mashego, K. Jurgens, B. Poggenpoel, H. Domingo (L. Sifumba 46′), S. Maseko, B. Mokwena (T. Nodada 66′), J. Lwamba (L. Koapeng 90+2′).
TS Galaxy: I. Tape, T. Kakora, I. Salatiel, M. Mncwango (M. Mahlangu 51′), S. Letsoenyo, M. Mbunjana, S. Maduna (S. Ngwenya 86′), J. Zindoga, M. Mvelase (N. Mgaga 64′), S. Mahlambi, V. Letsoalo.
Meanwhile Kruger United have gained automatic promotion to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) with two matches spare after defeating Black Leopards 3-1 in the Motsepe Foundation Championship on Saturday afternoon at KaNyamazane Stadium.