THE COACH of Durban City, Pitso Dladla, praised the hard work and organization of his team when they secured a place in the final of the Nedbank Cup by defeating Casric Stars 1-0 at Chatsworth Stadium.
The goal came in the sixth minute when the spearhead of the Casric stopper, Sphamandla Mlilo, stabbed home trying to clear the ball that was bent by Terrence Mashego.
City had to work hard as Casric tried his best to get the equaliser, and finally entered the final.
“In the first half we made things difficult because we had chances to score the second goal but we didn’t press hard enough, we allowed Casric to play. At that time the players chose to defend what we had,” said Dladla.
“We had to make sure that we won all the balls we claimed, especially in the middle of the field. Brooklyn Poggenpoel and Thabo Nodada did that in cooperation with their teammates. We have to praise them for their dedication.
“In football you need luck, but you also have to make your own luck by working hard and planning.”
Although it means a lot for City to enter the final, Dladla was quick to remind his players of the challenges they will face in this game.
City will wait for the winning team in the second semi-final between TS Galaxy and Milford FC which will be played at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium, KwaMhlanga, on Sunday at 3 pm.
“We must remain humble. The final is a big challenge and only the winning team is remembered,” concluded Dladla.