The Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture in KwaZulu-Natal, Mntomuhle Khawula, has called for support from the provincial teams playing in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) so that Durban City’s success in winning the Nedbank Cup will be an incentive for others in the province.
Khawula said this while speaking to the media at an event to celebrate City’s victory in the Nedbank Cup held at the Southern Sun Hotel, Durban, on Sunday.
The event was attended by City officials, including the chairman, Farook Kadodia, the players and the coaching staff, asponsors of the City, from the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, the Premier of the province, Thami Ntuli, officials of Safa KwaZulu-Natal and the region of Thekwini and KwaZulu-Natal Sports Confederation.
“In 16 years, our province KwaZulu-Natal won the cup for the last time, the Citizens boys did that, they ended the cup drought.
So we are very grateful to the coach, Pitso Dladla, chairman Kadodia (Farook), the coaching staff, and everyone who is part of this team who contributed to its success.
What is worth noting is that this is the first season that Durban City has entered the main division of the Betway Premiership, but it is in the Top 8 and it is not coming out, it took the cup again.
We are also happy that the AmaZulu are currently in the Top 8, the Golden Arrows seem to be there, and Richards Bay is getting close,” said Khawula.
“This gives us hope that we may have several teams in MTN8 next season.
The success of Durban City should be an incentive for other teams in this province that I wish there would be cooperation, even though they play competitively.
Their cooperation and support can go a long way in restoring the dignity and success of football in KwaZulu-Natal, which is the home of football.
Even if Milford FC could not win the league (Motsepe Foundation Championship), we also hope that it will succeed in the Play-Offs, increase the number of teams in this province in the Premiership, and we will support them.”
Citizens became the first team from KZN to win the title since Lamontville Golden Arrows won the MTN8 cup in 2009.
The chairman of the Citizens, Kadodia, expressed his humility at the ceremony organized for them by the Department of Sports in the province to thank and respect them for their victory over Nedbank.
“KwaZulu-Natal football should not have waited so long to find success. And KwaZulu-Natal teams should not struggle to avoid relegation every season.
Football should be an industry, develop people, create job opportunities and develop tourism.
When football works, so does society. It keeps the youth busy, free from drugs and crime,” said Kadodia.
Today at 12.30 noon on the streets of Durban, there will be a celebration of City and the Nedbank Cup. It will start from King Dinuzulu Park, and will be watched from Moses Mabhida Stadium.