Pitso Dladla pushing Durban City towards stronger Top 8 position

The Citizens have been one of the standout sides in their return to top-flight football as they occupy sixth position on the table – four points ahead of ninth-placed Stellenbosch FC. 

Dladla says what appeals to them, and continues to fuel their ambition, are the advantages of finishing higher in the top eight that would earn them favourable conditions in next season’s MTN8 quarterfinal fixtures. 

"It's to finish in a strong top eight [position] – there are many dynamics in the top eight, if I can mention it and not that I'm saying we're pushing," said Dladla.

"Let me put it like this so that you understand, if you are in the top four, next when you play [MTN8] you play at home, and any team would want that.

"You also know the structure of the draw, number one playing number eight, number two playing number seven, so when I say we want to finish in a strong top eight, I'm referring to such things."

READ: City aiming to bounce back quickly after five-goal setback

The work continues for Dladla and the KZN outfit, with a home fixture against Orbit College on Friday before the Nedbank Cup final against TS Galaxy in Polokwane on 2 May. 

Dladla says his players performed well overall against Magesi, and believes they have a strong enough squad to finish the season on a positive note. 

"We've got a few other players who have played very well, it's just that it's hard to recognise them when the team has lost a game like this," he added.

"But we will work as a team, we will have to bring other players who started the season well, they must also finish the season well, we'll have to trust all the players in the team.

"It's football – sometimes there are players who start the season and the season is ended by certain players."