Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker has expressed his deep satisfaction with the resurgence of Durban City FC, a club with a storied history in South African football and deep connection with his family, through his renowned uncle, the late Clive Barker.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Stellenbosch’s MTN8 first-leg semi-final clash against Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday night, Barker shared his heartfelt thoughts on the revival of the once-iconic team.
The revival of Durban City FC comes in the wake of Maritzburg United’s troubles, following their relegation from the Premier Soccer League (PSL) to the Motsepe Foundation Championship (MFC) at the end of the 2022/23 season.
The team, known as “Team of Choice,” was barred by the Msunduzi Local Municipality from using the Harry Gwala Stadium, which was instead allocated to Royal AM.
As a result, United were forced to play their home games at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Durban, far from its traditional fan base.
“I must be honest when I saw the name it made my heart warm. It’s a name that’s synonymous with South African football, it’s synonymous with this town. I’m really happy, I hope that you know the people in Durban especially, get behind the team and support them”, Barker said.
The newly rebranded Durban City FC now hosts its games at Chatsworth Stadium, located south of Durban. Barker, while acknowledging that changing a team’s name is never easy, expressed hope for the club’s future.
“It’s not my place to say but when a team has to change its name, it’s never easy but it could be something that can turn out to be special so it would be lovely to see a name like Durban City back right at the top level and so I do wish them well.
“I’m sure my uncle (Clive Barker) is very proud of what’s happening and smiling from above and hopefully you know Durban City can go and make the town and Durban proud of it”, he concluded.
As for Stellenbosch FC, they face a tough challenge against Sundowns in the MTN 8 semi-finals.
The first leg is set for Wednesday, 28 August at Lucas Moripe Stadium, with the return leg scheduled for Sunday, September 1 at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
This semi-final promises to be an exciting clash, with both teams eager to secure a spot in the final and contend for the prestigious MTN 8 title.
Igniting a new era in Durban, we’re building a community with Durban City FC—rising to the top, developing local talent, and making our city proud. #DurbanCityFC #OurCityOurTeam pic.twitter.com/1vfXh6v57z
— Durban City FC (@DurbanCity_FC) August 18, 2024
