Durban City FC head coach Gavin Hunt shared his thoughts on the team’s 4-1 extra-time victory over Polokwane City FC in the Carling Knockout Cup Round of 16 encounter on Friday night at the Chatsworth Stadium in Durban.
Hunt’s men kicked off their first-ever top-flight cup campaign with a sensational 4-1 victory, sealed after extra time against Polokwane City to book a place in the quarter-finals of the cup competition.
The victory saw the newly promoted Betway Premiership side continue their impressive unbeaten run in home territory, dismantling Rise and Shine during extra time.
Durban City held onto an early 12th-minute lead for the majority of the game. But the drama began late with a moment of misfortune in the 88th minute when they conceded a penalty after defender Fezile Gcaba handled the ball in the box.
However, Durban City maintained their dominance throughout the extra time period. They were eventually rewarded for their pressure, scoring not just the winning goal, but three more goals to complete the 4-1 rout.
Delighted with his team’s performance, the former Kaizer Chiefs and Chippa United coach reflected: “I was disappointed when they scored the equaliser with two or three minutes to go. But I truly thought we could have wrapped up the game in the first half. I think in that first half, we were really good; we played some good stuff. We just didn’t manage to find the final connection with the pass or whatever it was.”
GCABA REDEEMED: HUNT PRAISES STAR AFTER CONCEDING PENALTY
Polokwane City’s equaliser came from a penalty that was widely considered contentious. The handball by defender Gcaba did not appear to be a deliberate attempt to play the ball, despite the official awarding the spot-kick.
As a result, Hunt expressed his doubt regarding the referee’s decision, asserting that penalties are rarely awarded in instances of that nature. Nevertheless, the Durban City gaffer remained level-headed, stating that he was not overly concerned since contested decisions are common in football.
“I have seen more [penalties] not given than given in those situations,” he asserted. “The ball is thrown in, it goes over the guy’s head, and it bounces… listen, what can you do? It’s football.”
Despite conceding a penalty, the 26-year-old defender enjoyed what could be one of his most memorable nights in his career. The former Richards Bay FC player registered his first-ever hat-trick of goals, with his stellar performances securing him the Man of the Match award, which included a generous R100,000 cheque.
Elated by Gcaba’s post-penalty redemption, Hunt said: “I am happy for him because the game was going against him after the penalty incident. I’m glad somebody up there gave him a reward, and long may it continue.”
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