Sheppard: Chiefs’ Diski Challenge Success Can Inspire First Team
Kaizer Chiefs DStv Diski Challenge assistant coach Dillon Sheppard believes that winning the reserve league title could positively influence the first team, which is currently facing a decade-long trophy drought.
The Amakhosi reserve side is on the cusp of clinching the DStv Diski Challenge title, having demonstrated remarkable dominance throughout the season under the guidance of Sheppard and head coach Vela Khumalo.
After 25 matches, they lead the standings with 61 points, narrowly ahead of second-placed and defending champions Stellenbosch, who have played one game more.
Chiefs secured a 3-1 victory against Richards Bay this past weekend, while Stellenbosch matched their result by earning maximum points with a 2-0 win over AmaZulu.
Two more wins in their remaining three matches would be sufficient for Chiefs to secure the title, which they have not won since the reserve league’s inception in 2014.
Furthermore, Amakhosi have a game in hand against Chippa United that was postponed. The outcome of this fixture is currently under review by the PSL’s Disciplinary Committee. Should Chiefs be awarded the three points, they would only need one more victory to lift the Diski Challenge trophy.
“We need to focus on ourselves,” Sheppard emphasized. “We know it is huge to win after 10 years, and if they [the reserve side] can contribute and help towards the first team, that will be great because we are all representing the club, and we are going to push to win, and hopefully that has a little bit of influence on the first team.”
The senior Kaizer Chiefs side last won the league title under coach Stuart Baxter in the 2014/15 season, a season in which they also lifted the MTN8 trophy.
However, this trophy drought could potentially end this season. In fact, Amakhosi supporters could be celebrating a double triumph, as the senior team has also reached the Nedbank Cup final after defeating Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-final.
Chiefs are now set to face their Soweto rivals and trophy specialists, Orlando Pirates, in the Nedbank Cup final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on 10 May.
