Durban City FC must respond quickly after a midweek defeat when they visit Milford FC in the Premier Soccer League on Sunday. The 2-0 loss to Orlando Pirates on Thursday halted a promising run of three wins from four matches.

That result leaves the club 11th in the table with six points from six games, a position they will be keen to improve starting at Richards Bay Stadium. The immediate challenge is a Milford side sitting fifth, fresh from a 5-1 thrashing of Richards Bay in their last outing.

Head coach Fani Madida is expected to demand a reaction from his squad. He deployed a 5-3-2 formation against the Pirates, with F. Asare in goal behind a back five of B. Shandu, F. Gcaba, S. Ncanana, Siyabonga Msomi and J. Mokone. The midfield trio of K. Jurgens, B. Poggenpoel and Tylo Sanger will be central to regaining control, supporting forwards Jean Lwamba and G. Sirino.

Their opponents, however, are in strong form. Milford's comprehensive victory last weekend showed an attack led by Vusumuzi Mthabela and S. Ndlabi, operating in a 4-1-4-1 shape anchored by midfielder C. Mthethwa. Durban City's defence, which had kept three clean sheets in the previous five games before the Pirates match, will need to be resilient.

Despite the setback, City's recent form of three wins, one draw and one loss provides a solid platform. Victories over Rukinzo and Kruger United, coupled with a draw against Stellenbosch, show their capability. The team travels north for the 3pm local time kick-off on Sunday, with all the upcoming fixtures available to plan ahead.

Durban City drew 1-1 with Milford FC at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium on Sunday, September 20. L. Sifumba scored City's equaliser in the 50th minute after M Zikakayo had put Milford ahead. Midfielder Kyle Jurgens said the team had prepared well for the challenge. The result leaves Durban City 11th in the Premier Soccer League with six points from six games. This follows their 2-0 defeat to Orlando Pirates on September 17.

Durban City's 2-0 defeat to Orlando Pirates on September 17 saw the hosts dominate after a strong start from the visitors. Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, making his 150th club appearance, made key saves including a first-half stop against Tylo Sanger, the club confirmed. Lebone Seema and Tshepang Moremi scored second-half goals for Pirates. The result contributed to Durban City's current league standing of 11th with six points from six games, having scored three and conceded four this season.