Jean Lwamba Lubumba of Durban City celebrates with the Nedbank Cup medal.
Image: BackpagePix
If there has been one constant in Durban City FC’s recent rollercoaster run, it has been Jean Lwamba.
The forward has surged into form at exactly the right time, scoring six goals in his last four matches across all competitions, and dragging his side through moments where they otherwise looked vulnerable.
Lwamba’s burst began in a chaotic 5–2 defeat to Magesi FC, where Durban City’s defensive structure completely unraveled early on.
Even in a heavy loss, Lwamba still managed to find the net twice, underlining his growing reputation as a forward who delivers regardless of the game state.
While the result exposed City’s fragility, it also highlighted their most dangerous weapon in the attacking line up.
That trend continued in a 2–2 draw against Siwelele FC, where Lwamba again delivered a brace.
On a night where Durban City trailed 2–0 early, he almost single-handedly dragged them back into the contest, timing his runs sharply and finishing with real composure under pressure.
But it’s not just the numbers that stand out so much as it’s the timing. Lwamba’s goals have come when Durban City needed them most, often shifting momentum in matches where they were second best for long spells.
His form also carried into the club’s historic Nedbank Cup campaign, where Durban City lifted the trophy after a 2–1 comeback win over TS Galaxy.
While Mfanafuthi Mkhize grabbed the decisive headlines in the final, Lwamba’s influence throughout the run had already been crucial, consistently providing the attacking edge that kept City alive in tight knockout moments. His goal in the Nedbank Cup final had some luck attached to it, but its often the most hardworking people that find luck when they need it.
What makes this spell even more impressive is consistency across contexts. Six goals in four matches is not a one-off explosion, it is sustained output across league and cup footbal.
Durban City may have had their cake and eaten it this season after winning the Nedbank Cup in their debut year, but they also had a cherry on top in churning out a forward like Lwamba.
Jehran Naidoo is sports reporter for Independent Media and social media coordinator of the our YouTube channel The Clutch.