Durban City look to carry continental momentum into Carling Knockout clash with Stellenbosch

After starting the season with Khalil Ben Youssef, the club are now under the guidance of Eric Tinkler, who guided the team to the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup with a comprehensive 6-1 win over Mauritian side AS Port Louis.

In the Betway Premiership, they find themselves in 10th place with just seven points from their opening eight games, including just one win, and they will welcome the distraction of a cup run.

City won their first major trophy last season with success in the Nedbank Cup as they beat TS Galaxy 2–1 in the final.

In Stellenbosch they face a team also underperforming, in seventh place on the Premiership standings with 10 points.

Gavin Hunt has managed just two league wins this term, although they are unbeaten in their last four matches, and most recently held Kaizer Chiefs to a 1-1 stalemate.

Speaking after guiding his new team in CAF Confederation Cup proper, a delighted Tinkler said on IOL: "I'm very pleased with the performance.

"We came here knowing we had a job to do, despite winning the first leg, and the players approached the game with the right mentality. We were disciplined, clinical in front of goal and managed the game well.

"This is a very important achievement for Durban City FC. It's our first-ever continental campaign, and reaching the group stages is a proud moment for the club, the players, the technical team and everyone who has supported us.

"We're delighted, but we also know there is more work ahead."

Hunt told his club's website that he is expecting a tricky test against Tinkler's team.

"Durban City have done a lot of work behind the scenes getting players in, and they have a good nucleus of players. They have a lot of power and strength and, generally, their record has been good at Chatsworth so it's not going to be easy, that’s for sure," said Hunt.

"If we play accordingly though, we’ll have an even chance. We just need to settle our team, and once we’ve got that, I’ve got a lot of confidence in this group.”

"We’re trying to create a new culture, with a lot of new players, and I don’t even feel as though we’ve really started the season yet. We’ve played eight games so far and it’s been a tough run, but we’re positive and excited, looking forward to Wednesday’s game," he added.