Durban City aim to end KZN drought in Nedbank Cup final

Siphamandla Ncanana returns from suspension at a crucial time, while a recent injury list had previously forced the team into defensive reshuffles that disrupted their usual solidity, most notably in the heavy 5-2 defeat to Magesi FC.

Hendricks says the squad has now fully recovered heading into the final.

"I think it's cup week. I think all the players will be back; you know how it is, no matter how injured they are. But they are back, which is obviously a good thing," said Hendricks.

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"We are blessed; we have a very good squad, a very small squad. At the end of the day, we need every individual, and obviously our back four plays a pivotal role in what we do."

Hendricks has also highlighted the broader significance of the occasion, noting that KwaZulu-Natal clubs have endured a long wait for success in the Ke Yona Cup, with no team from the province lifting the trophy in nearly two decades.

He believes this presents Durban City with an opportunity to write themselves into the history books, while also securing a pathway into CAF interclub competition next season.

Despite having completed a league double over Galaxy this season with identical 2-0 victories home and away, Hendricks is under no illusions about the challenge that awaits in a once-off cup final.

Galaxy head into the final under interim coach Bernard Parker, following the recent departure of Adnan Beganovic amid a difficult run in the Betway Premiership.

Hendricks acknowledges the potential impact of a change in leadership, warning of the “new couch bounce” shown often under new guidance.