Sinethemba Badela backs Darren Keet’s experience to boost Durban City’s season

Durban City coach Sinethemba Badela insists the experience of goalkeeper Darren Keet will be vital for the remainder of the season, while he is also backing his attacking players to contribute with crucial goals.

Keet saved three penalties as City edged Chippa United 3–2 in a shoot-out in the Nedbank Cup last 32, after the match finished goalless in regulation and extra time at Chatsworth Stadium on Friday night.

The veteran goalkeeper rolled back the years with his heroics between the sticks, reminding many of his quality during a distinguished career that included multiple team and individual honours with the now-defunct Bidvest Wits.

Back in the top flight after a season in the first division, the Citizens need all the help they can get to ensure survival this season.

City are currently sixth on the log with 25 points, five adrift of fourth-placed AmaZulu after 17 rounds of fixtures, and Badela believes Keet’s presence bodes well for the club.

“We don’t doubt Darren Keet’s experience. He’s been there and was calm the whole week,” Badela said. “We are happy for him because he put the team into the next round.

“But it was a collective effort. During the game, he didn’t have many saves to make. He made only one save, and that was from Justice Figuareido.”

Keet’s shoot-out heroics redeemed him after a costly error led to a 2–0 league defeat to Chippa a few days earlier. Badela was quick to defend the 36-year-old, insisting the club has always trusted his ability.

“We have never doubted his quality and experience,” Badela said. “That mistake happened and we analysed it. When you look at it properly, it wasn’t only him – there was a backpass, space opened up, and the midfielders didn’t support him.

“In the end, when goalkeepers make mistakes, they get singled out. I’m happy you guys are giving him praise for the penalties; he deserves it.”

Keet is not the only player enjoying a revival under Badela, who replaced Gavin Hunt in recent weeks. Midfielder Luphumlo Sifumba, on loan from Cape Town City, is also getting a fresh opportunity at the club.

The 20-year-old missed his penalty in the shoot-out win over Chippa, but Badela says the youngster is progressing well.

“We see his qualities every day at training and we are happy with his progress,” Badela said. “He knows there is a lot of competition in the squad and he has to compete like everyone else.

“We will continue to monitor him. When I see that he has trained and played well throughout the week, I will give him chances. Everyone must take responsibility and deliver when they get opportunities.”

Badela is also optimistic about improvements in attack, with Joslin Kamatuka close to returning after a spell on the sidelines.

“Joslin was our top goalscorer last season. He’s coming back and is currently doing rehab,” Badela said.

“We are hoping to have him back in the next couple of weeks. We are creating chances; we just need to start scoring. Once that happens, things will improve.

“If you look at the games against Polokwane and Chippa, we created good chances. I’m happy with the quality of opportunities.”