Dladla's Excellent Start After Taking Charge
Durban City interim coach Pitso Dladla expressed his satisfaction after guiding the team into the Africa Cup of Nations break on a high note, following his appointment to replace Gavin Hunt.
Hunt's tenure ended after a defeat to Orlando Pirates at Moses Mabhida Stadium in a recent Betway Premiership match.
Stepping up from his role as assistant coach, which he held under both Simo Dladla and Gavin Hunt, the transition for Dladla has been smooth as he has been a longstanding member of the City setup.
He was also part of the coaching staff that led City to top-flight promotion last season.
Since Hunt's exit, Dladla secured an impressive start with a 3-0 win against Orbit College at Olympia Park Stadium, propelling the team to seventh position in the Betway Premiership standings.
This comprehensive victory, characterized by goals from Thabo Nodada, Samkelo Maseko, and a remarkable strike by Haashim Domingo, signifies the beginning of a fresh chapter for the club.
“This result, more than anything, is for our supporters,” Dladla stated. “They deserve to enter the break with the joy and pride this performance brings. But it’s also a vital moment for us as a group. To pause with this momentum, with happy faces and belief, is invaluable. It gives us the perfect energy to reset and build for the next chapter.”
Currently, City stands seventh with 22 points at the season's halfway mark, a commendable achievement for a newly promoted side in the Premier Division.
“We defended as a complete unit,” he emphasized. “A clean sheet is often credited to the last line, but its foundation is created by the pressure and responsibility shown from the front. Every player showed that willingness, which is non-negotiable.”
“It’s a pleasing platform, but our work isn’t done. We created more chances and need to be more clinical. That balance is what we’ll keep striving for.”
As the league pauses for AFCON, scheduled from December 21 to January 18 in Morocco, City is set to return to action on January 25, hosting Polokwane City at Chatsworth Stadium at 17:30.
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