UKZN Backs Durban City FC in Nail-Biter Against Kaizer Chiefs

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), a proud partner of Durban City FC, brought Premier Soccer League excitement to campus life with a vibrant team activation held at the Varsity Drive gate on the Westville campus on Thursday, 30 October 2025.

The event celebrated community spirit and campus pride, as staff and students joined the Corporate Relations Division and the ever-energetic University mascot, ‘Impi’, to rally behind the home team ahead of their much-anticipated clash with Kaizer Chiefs the following day. Music, energy, and cheers filled the air, setting the perfect tone of excitement that carried through to match day.

The campus buzz extended to another spirited activation at Moses Mabhida Stadium just hours before kick-off – a fitting show of support from the UKZN community for Durban City FC, affectionately known as the Citizens.

When match time finally arrived, the atmosphere inside Moses Mabhida was electric. A delayed kick-off only heightened anticipation as Amakhosi – Kaizer Chiefs – took to the field, determined to claim maximum points. Once the whistle blew, the visitors dominated possession, but City defended resolutely and countered with purpose through Joslin Kamatuka and Trevor Mokwena, whose pace and creativity troubled the Chiefs’ defence.

The first half ended goalless – a testament to City’s defensive discipline and teamwork. In the second half, Chiefs’ co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef made tactical changes that eventually paid off.

In the 88th minute, Gaston Sirino delivered a precise cross that found Flavio da Silva, who headed home the winner to seal a 1-0 victory for the visitors – a heartbreaking result for the Citizens. The win lifted Chiefs to third place on the PSL table, while Durban City slipped to fourth after suffering their first home defeat of the season.

Despite the loss, the evening was anything but disappointing for Durban City supporters. The team displayed grit, heart, and unity, qualities that have made them one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most promising sides. The sea of blue in the stands – bolstered by UKZN staff, students, and alumni – reflected a partnership rooted in pride and shared identity.

As one UKZN student remarked after the match: “We may not have won, but we showed who we are – passionate, proud, and full of fight.”

For Durban City FC and their UKZN supporters, the journey continues – driven by pride, passion, and the unshakable belief that the next victory is just around the corner.

Words: Nombuso Dlamini

Photographs: Sethu Dlamini