Kaizer Chiefs DStv Diski Challenge assistant coach Dillon Sheppard stated that they have worked diligently to reach their current position, aiming to secure the DStv Diski Challenge title, and now they must finish strong.

The championship is within Chiefs’ grasp, contingent on winning their remaining five matches. To reclaim the top spot, they must defeat TS Galaxy at Sugar Xulu Stadium on Sunday.

This match is crucial, as defending champions Stellenbosch recently overtook them by defeating Golden Arrows on Saturday. Stellenbosch now leads by two points, with 57 points from 25 matches, while Chiefs trails with 55 points and five games in hand.

“The pressure you rather being where it is in your control, we are not relying on anyone, we are only relying on ourselves,” said Sheppard, who was appointed as the assistant at the start of this season.  

“This gives us control. Like I said, we are in control of the process, and if we do well, we are likely to win the game, we stay top of the league which gives a chance to be on top of the league.”  

While Chiefs has the opportunity to win the Diski Challenge for the first time in its 10-year history, Sheppard emphasized that their approach remains consistent: focusing on one game at a time, starting with Galaxy.

“Like I said, it is game by game,” said Sheppard, who sadly has not parents after both passed away in recent time.  

“I told the players that we need to remove the emotions of the occasion, and we know exactly what TS Galaxy can bring, and Bernard Parker has done a great job there. 

“The last time we played [won 4-1] was not fair reflection of the game, they created many chances and if they were more deadly on the deadly, we could have lost the game. 

“I always say that our performance needs to be right, and it is right, the results will take care of itself and that is what we have been this season. 

“The players will be focused on the playing more than the actual results and as you can see the performances have been really good. 

“Two, we also had the luxury of rotating more; we have competition, which is what is healthy, and that keeps us going.”  

Following the Galaxy match on Sunday, Chiefs will play three more games against Richards Bay [home], Magesi [home], and AmaZulu [away].