Kyle Jurgens of Durban City during the Nedbank Cup 2026 quarter-final match against Lamontville Golden Arrows.
Image: BackpagePix
Since watching Durban City upon their entrance to the league this season, Kyle Jurgens has been one of the standout players in the squad, contributing with intensity in the middle of the pitch.
Adopting more of a defensive midfielder style, Jurgens' hunger has been one of the stand out features of his play. If Rassie Erasmus were to describe it, he'd say Jurgens had a "hond" in him.
He plays hard. Tackles and runs with 110% every time. It must be exhausting. But the challenge is what excites the 22-year-old former Stellenbosch player.
Jurgens is currently on loan from Stellies for this season, with an option in there to permanently move over to Durban. After the season he's had, maybe Stellies is regretting their decision.
In the first half of the season, Jurgens looked like raw intensity. Wild dog off the leash but then as the campaign progressed, he looked a lot more calmer. That intensity was slowly being accompanied by some composure and patience.
A thirst to get better and hunger to play every game like his last has made him one to watch in City this season, among others.
Body position, scanning his environment for space and understanding his teammates have been areas of focus for Jurgens.
"That helped me a lot with having time on the ball and understanding my teammates. I knew what ball they wanted to receive so it made my job easier and that came by playing more games," Jurgens explained, adding that he soaked up his coaches advice.
"I love every challenge with the midfield. In that position, you are at the core of the team so everything happens through you."
While one would assume being out on loan could be bad for one's career, Jurgens has enjoyed success this year and is in contention for a top 5 league finish and booked a seat in the final of the Nedbank Cup.
Their next league encounter promises to be an exciting one, with Golden Arrows out to prove they are they are a top flight club.
"It means a lot to be part of this Durban team right now. We’ve worked very hard throughout the season, and reaching the Nedbank Cup final is a reflection of the unity and belief within the squad. Being in this position shows how far we’ve come together as a team," said Jurgens.
"We know how much this means to our supporters. But at the same time, we’re staying grounded, this is a big achievement, but the job isn’t finished yet. We’re focused, hungry, and determined to give everything in the final and hopefully make the city proud."