Durban City FC veteran goalkeeper Darren Keet has reacted to interim coach Pitso Dladla’s endorsement for the Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament award.
The former Bafana Bafana goal-minder has been in a good form for the Durban-based outfit in the just-concluded Nedbank Cup. His heroics helped the club secure the title following a 2-1 victory over TS Galaxy at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane this past weekend.
Keet, who is set to hang up his gloves at the end of the current season, has been a key member for the KwaZulu-Natal side since his arrival from Cape Town City FC at the start of the 2025/26 campaign.
His consistency has shown how important he is to Durban City this season, where he has kept 12 clean sheets in the Betway Premiership and two in the Nedbank Cup, playing a crucial role in the club’s silverware success.
Across all competitions this term, the shot-stopper has featured in 33 games, keeping 14 clean sheets and conceding 29 goals.
WHY PITSO DLADLA BACKS KEET FOR THE NEDBANK CUP TOP ACCOLADE
Speaking ahead of the final, Dladla insisted that Keet’s stellar displays throughout the competition make him the frontrunner for the individual prize [Player of the Tournament].
“Honestly, different players have played their roles in different games. Everybody has contributed equally. But Darren—because of the saves that he has made and the penalties that he has saved—[he deserves recognition for what he’s done this season],” said Dladla.
“He also kept clean sheets in 120 minutes and in the penalty shootout against Upington City FC [in the Last 16]. That’s something that makes him stand out. I think he’s a candidate for the Player of the Tournament. But it’s a collective effort from the players; they have contributed equally.”
‘INDIVIDUAL ACCOLADES ARE NOT MY THING’ – DARREN KEET
Despite the high praise from his coach, the goalkeeper remain focused on the team’s collective achievement rather than personal glory.
“Well, it’s a difficult one. I have said before that I’m just happy we won the Nedbank Cup, and that’s the most important thing to me,” Keet told journalists in Polokwane on Saturday night.
“But if it happens that I get the award, I will be happy. I’m telling you, I would be happy. However, at the moment, I’m not worried about it.
“I wouldn’t say it would be a cherry on top because I’m not too worried about that [winning the Player of the Tournament]. You know, individual accolades are not my thing.”
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