Dladla Aims To Build From Pirates’ Point

Durban City coach Pitso Dladla has emphasised the point against Orlando Pirates, saying it was important in their pursuit of a top-eight spot.

The result denied Pirates the chance to keep their title hopes entirely in their own hands, with the league championship now set to be decided in their final match against Orbit College at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday.

Should Pirates fail to win that encounter, Mamelodi Sundowns will be crowned champions for a ninth consecutive season, while Pirates’ wait for a league title would extend to 15 years.

For City, however, the draw could prove crucial in what has already been an impressive campaign following their promotion. The club has enjoyed a remarkable season, winning the Nedbank Cup and currently occupying eighth place on the standings with 39 points from 29 matches.

Dladla reflected on their preparations for the clash against Pirates, stressing that either a draw or a victory was essential for a side determined to qualify for next season’s MTN8 competition.

“Not really, we had to prepare very well, we had to get our tactical behaviour on point,” said Dladla.

“We knew it was going to be a very difficult game, but we also have ambitions of finishing in the top eight. So a point or a win was very, very crucial for us. The preparations, however, remained the same. We did not do anything less or more.”

Dladla also addressed reports surrounding Darren Keet’s retirement. Keet was not included in the starting line-up against Pirates, with Fredrick Asare starting in goal instead.

Keet recently announced that he will retire from football at the end of the season following City’s Nedbank Cup triumph.

“For us as a technical team, it’s not about anyone retiring; there has been nothing official from management. For us, it was simply a matter of selection,” said Dladla.

“Asare is also a good goalkeeper; he was just unfortunate to suffer an injury before the league commenced. We haven’t been told anything official about Darren retiring — it was more about selection.”

Meanwhile, the KwaZulu-Natal-based side will play their final match of the season against AmaZulu at Chatsworth Stadium on Saturday.