Durban City FC midfielder Haashim Domingo has shared his thoughts on the upcoming Durban Derby against Golden Arrows, while also reflecting on his team’s impressive start in the SA elite league.
The 2024/25 Motsepe Foundation Championship winners are one of only six teams to enjoy a perfect start in the new Betway Premiership season. They have secured six points from their first two games.
Durban City began their season with a comfortable 2-0 victory over TS Galaxy away from home in Mbombela. They followed that up with a narrow 1-0 win against Chippa United at Chatsworth Stadium.
Domingo, who recently joined the club, credits his teammates for their successful start. He stated that they have been dedicated to executing coach Gavin Hunt’s master plan.
DOMINGO PRAISES TEAM FOR STICKING TO HUNT’S MASTERPLAN
“I think we started very well. We executed the coach’s plans and the technical staff’s plans very well,” said Domingo, who also emphasised that the key to their continued success will be consistency, perseverance, and hard work.
“I think in the first two games, what we did very well is that we, our mentality – a never give up spirit. We played exactly to the coach’s plan, and I think that’s what helped, and that’s what we did right in the first two games. The winning mentality was there, and the fight and the desire to win.”
Domingo has quickly become one of coach Hunt’s most reliable players in the new-look squad. The veteran midfielder has been a workhorse, completing a full 90 minutes in both of Durban City’s victories. His influence was particularly evident in the Chippa game, where he was awarded Man of the Match.
DOMINGO PROMISES ALL-OUT EFFORT IN DERBY
Hunt’s troops will now shift their focus to another tricky encounter at home to Golden Arrows. A first top-flight Derby for Durban City, who aim to achieve a third successive league victory at the expense of their close neighbours. Arrows, on the other hand, navigate through a lacklustre league opening after going down 3-1 to Siwelele FC in the first game and slightly edging Richards Bay FC 1-0 at home.
Domingo promised to go all out in grinding for maximum points in the Durban Derby against Abafana Bes’thende at the Chatsworth Stadium on Tuesday night [19:30].
The former Cape Town City FC said: “A derby is always tough, no matter who you’re playing against. We’ve analysed what Arrows can do and what they bring to the game. I think we will be prepared for that. But any derby is difficult. It will be an interesting one.”
He further acknowledged the tactical acumen possessed by his upcoming opponents, revealing that a victory against Arrows will not be a breeze.
“My thoughts on Golden Arrows are that they are coached by a very experienced coach [Manqoba Mngqithi]. And the guys are very energetic. They work very hard. But we will try our best to get three points at the end of the day,” added the three-time league winner.
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