Pitso Stays Grounded Despite Impressive Durban City Run

Durban City coach Pitso Dladla says he has not reached the point where everything feels surreal, despite continuing to produce strong results since taking over as caretaker coach.

Dladla, who replaced Sinethemba Badela last month, finally saw his unbeaten run halted after Durban City drew 1–1 with Sekhukhune United in a Betway Premiership match at Chatsworth Stadium on Wednesday.

City came into the game on a three-match winning streak under the former Richards Bay coach, a run that lifted them to fourth place in the Betway Premiership standings with 32 points from 20 matches.

In fact, Dladla had won four matches as caretaker coach without conceding a goal, including a victory over Orbit College in December after Gavin Hunt was sacked.

Tshepo Mashiloane, who is on loan from Orlando Pirates at Sekhukhune, scored an 88th-minute equaliser on Wednesday, denying Dladla’s side another three points.

A victory would have moved City up to third place, overtaking Sekhukhune in the process.

“It’s about planning properly for each other and making sure our preparations are well executed,” said Dladla when asked about his impressive run.

“That helps us to focus on ourselves, and if it gives us an unbeaten record, that’s good. But it’s not something that is really in our heads right now.

“What is important in this league is that you do well at home. That allows you to take certain risks, and now we know how to approach games when we play away and when we are at home.

“That approach has been working for us.”

Dladla will now lead City into the Nedbank Cup quarter-final against neighbours Golden Arrows at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday, as they look to secure a place in the semi-finals.

“We are used to keeping clean sheets, but I’m happy that we did not lose. We are growing as a team,” added Dladla.