Keet Talks Tinkler’s Interest Before Joining Durban City

Durban City goalkeeper Darren Keet reveals interest from Sekhukhune United coach Eric Tinkler.

Keet disclosed that coach Tinkler had intended to reunite with him at Sekhukhune United, but discussions did not advance to a formal offer. Given Sekhukhune's delay in negotiations, Keet ultimately signed with Durban City, returning to work with Gavin Hunt, who took charge during the off-season.

As reported, Sekhukhune had already secured the signing of Manuel Sapunga from Polokwane City without Tinkler's awareness, which has affected Sapunga's participation this season.

Keet, a free agent after Cape Town City faced relegation to the Motsepe Foundation Championship at the end of last season, responded to Tinkler’s interest, stating, “I wasn’t close at all. There was interest.”

Known for his skills in commanding aerial balls, Tinkler has previously commended Keet's reliability. Hunt shares this view, having coached Keet at Bidvest Wits.

“I did speak to them — well, to coach Eric — but nothing came from it. He asked if I’d be interested in joining them, and I said, ‘we can make it happen’,” Keet explained. “But then they signed other goalkeepers, and that was the end of it. There were no negotiations or offers made. There was just interest from his side, and that was all.”

Expressing his contentment, Keet added, “Like I always say, everything happens for a reason — and I’m extremely happy here.” He is expected to play a vital role as Durban City takes on Richards Bay in the Carling Knockout quarterfinals at Umhlathuze Sports Ground on Saturday at 15:00.

Keet has a successful history with Hunt, having won the Carling Knockout (formerly Telkom Knockout) with Bidvest Wits in the 2017/18 season. Wits triumphed over Bloemfontein Celtic in the final, with Vincent Pule's back-heel securing the victory in extra time.

Together, Keet and Hunt also celebrated a league title and the MTN8 trophy in the 2016/17 season at Wits. Keet aims to leverage this experience in their matchup against Richards Bay.

“There’s not too much that I have to do,” said Keet, who was named PSL Goalkeeper of the Season in 2016/17. “I think we have a good team with players capable of getting the win. Richards Bay are a tough side to face, but my job is to keep everyone focused and ensure we stay in the game. Hopefully, we’ll get the goals we need and come away with the result we want.”

Keet concluded, “We’ve been working hard and have already exceeded people’s expectations, but we have our own ambitions — and we need to keep pushing toward them.”