Pitso Reveals Prayer During Shootout To Reach Nedbank Cup Semi-Finals

Durban City coach Pitso Dladla says he chose to sit alone during the penalty shootout against Golden Arrows on Sunday because he needed a moment to seek God’s intervention.

After the match ended 1-1 following 120 minutes in the Nedbank Cup quarter-final, the game was decided by penalties at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday. While his technical team and players gathered in a huddle, Dladla remained seated on his own.

The coach explained that he wanted time to pray, especially after Arrows had squandered several chances during the match that could have sealed the result in their favour.

City, however, were clinical from the spot, winning 5-4 on penalties to book their place in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals at King Zwelithini Stadium.

Asked whether he felt confident his team would prevail — having come into the match unbeaten in six games across two spells as the club’s caretaker coach — Dladla admitted it was easier to speak after the fact.

“It’s easy to say when it’s done,” said Dladla.

“I never doubted my boys, but I was calling on all the divine powers — the footballing gods — because if Golden Arrows could miss so many chances during the 90 minutes, why would they then go on and also win on penalties?

“So that was in my mind. In football, it’s rare to miss those kinds of chances and still win the game. I said, ‘God brought us here, let us give ourselves this game.’

“It was more about praying.”

City’s victory was even more impressive as they played with 10 men for more than 40 minutes after Athini Jodwana was sent off in the 80th minute for deliberately handling the ball to stop a Golden Arrows breakaway.

By reaching the semi-finals, Durban City join Casric Stars, Milford FC, and TS Galaxy. The semi-final draw will take place on Monday.