Fans interact with Durban City Football Club players and entertainers during the team’s victory parade through Durban on Wednesday, hosted by the eThekwini Municipality to celebrate the club’s historic Nedbank Cup triumph.
Image: THULI DLAMINI
Durban came to a standstill on Wednesday as thousands of jubilant football supporters lined the streets to celebrate Durban City Football Club following the club’s historic Nedbank Cup victory.
The victory parade, held across several parts of the city on May 13, drew massive crowds as residents gathered to welcome home the newly crowned champions.
Supporters waved flags, wore team colours and sang in celebration as players and members of the technical team proudly showcased the prestigious trophy during the procession.
The parade began at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Howard College sports grounds, where the team trains, before making its way through Cato Manor, West Ridge and Warwick Avenue.
EThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba flanked by municipality staff, football players and coaching staff, lifts the Nedbank Cup trophy that was won by Durban City Football Club following the conclusion of the city’s victory parade. The club made history by becoming the first team from KwaZulu-Natal to lift the trophy in their debut season in the elite Betway Premiership.
Image: THULI DLAMINI
One of the major highlights of the celebrations took place outside Durban City Hall, where hundreds of supporters gathered for a trophy photo session with the team.
The convoy later proceeded to Moses Mabhida Stadium, where ecstatic fans welcomed the champions in scenes of celebration and pride.
eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba congratulated the club on its achievement, describing the triumph as a proud moment not only for the team but for the entire city.
“This victory is not only a proud moment for Durban City Football Club, but for the entire city. The team has demonstrated determination, discipline and excellence throughout the tournament, and we are proud to celebrate this historic achievement with our residents,” said Xaba.
Durban City Football Club players celebrate aboard a ricksha bus during their victory parade through Durban following their historic Nedbank Cup triumph. The club became the first team from KwaZulu-Natal to lift the trophy, achieving the feat in their debut season in the elite Betway Premiership.
Image: THULI DLAMINI
He said the celebrations reflected the unity and passion that sport brings to communities and praised residents for turning out in large numbers to honour the champions.
Xaba added that the overwhelming public support demonstrated Durban’s deep love for football and created an atmosphere worthy of the club’s remarkable achievement.
Durban City's captain Siphamandla Ncanana said he was overwhelmed with emotion following the club’s historic Nedbank Cup triumph, adding that the team was deeply grateful to its supporters, families and technical staff for their unwavering support.
“We wanted to win, but we never imagined something this big could happen to a small and relatively new club like ours,” said Ncanana, expressing hope that more trophies would follow in the future.
The victory makes Durban City Football Club the first club from KwaZulu-Natal to lift the Nedbank Cup trophy, earning the team a place in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Club coach Pitso Dladla thanked club chairman Farook Kadodia and praised the support shown by the eThekwini Municipality, promising supporters that the club’s success story was only beginning.