Caught off guard by Chiefs’ line-up changes, Durban City refuse to lose sight of their objectives

With Amakhosi coming into this game, having lost three league games in succession, City were looking to pile on the misery on the hosts, but their plans were thwarted by the co-coaches. With this victory, Chiefs leapfrogged City to the fifth spot, and Dladla lists the starting line-up changes that had them confused.

"Kaizer Chiefs has been so unfortunate with the injuries and suspensions. So with them you couldn't predict which lineup they were going to use for today's game. I think we were surprised with the three starters. I rememeber Duba, I did not expect him, Du Preez we did not expecet him either and there's a third player," said Dladla

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"But for them as well, we should be honest –  there were games they have lost where they played very well. So for us, it was not about the past results but about preparing for this game. I should say Kaizer Chiefs identity was there. We succumed to tremenous pressure but defended well, especially when they were in possession. They possess the ball longer this time around."

"Like I said, it was more about neautralising them in the first half and then, in the second half, go all out to try and win the game."

A win for City could’ve also seen them move into the top three and edge closer to closing the gap on the top two teams (Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns). The Durbanites had some of their key players on the bench for this game, looking to bring them on as impact players. Dladla also makes it clear that avoiding relegation and reaching the magic number (36 points) are among their priorities.

For City, according to Dladla, it’s also not just about being shortsighted and focusing on one game, but also managing the squad well. With the team already in the Nedbank Cup semifinals, and one of the favourites to win this season’s edition, Dladla talks about using their squad wisely.

This was also City’s first loss in the league and in all competitions since Dladla took over from Sinethemba Badela, a run of five unbeaten matches. Reflecting on the loss, he focuses on how they tried to apply themselves differently in this game.