Durban City Coach Dladla Demands Tactical Discipline as Promotion Race Heats Up

Despite a 2-1 defeat to Baroka FC, Durban City FC remains at the top of the Motsepe Foundation Championship standings. However, coach Simo Dladla has warned that his team must improve its away performances to maintain its position as promotion favourites.

Lessons from the Baraka Defeat

Dladla admitted his side lacked tactical discipline in the loss to Baroka and failed to capitalize on their dominance.

“We had Baroka defending deep, but we didn’t circulate the ball well. We must learn to manage possession better,” he told FARPost.

The loss sees Durban City’s lead shrink to four points, with second-placed ORBIT College FC closing the gap.

Struggles in Away Matches

Dladla pointed out his team's poor away form, highlighting a huge contrast in performances: “We’ve earned 25 points from 10 home games, but only 12 points from nine away matches. That must change, especially with our next match away at Hungry Lions.”

Motsepe Foundation Championship Weekend Roundup

• Highbury FC thrashed Milford FC 5-1, denting their title hopes.
• Baroka FC stunned Durban City with a late winner from David Mathipi.
• Cape Town Spurs remain in the relegation zone after a 0-0 draw with JDR Stars.
• ORBIT College rescued a 2-2 draw against Casric Stars, with Ayanda Lukhele netting a last-minute equalizer.
• Lerumo United shocked Upington City 1-0, keeping the relegation battle tight.

Full Weekend Results:

• Highbury FC 5-1 Milford FC
• Venda FC 0-0 Pretoria University
• Pretoria Callies 2-1 Black Leopards
• Kruger United 1-0 Hungry Lions
• JDR Stars 0-0 Cape Town Spurs
• Baroka FC 2-1 Durban City
• Upington City 0-1 Lerumo United
• ORBIT College 2-2 Casric Stars

With 11 games remaining, the promotion battle is wide open, and Dladla knows his side must bounce back quickly to keep their Betway Premiership dream alive.