sportskeeda
Dillon Sheppard, assistant coach of the Kaizer Chiefs in the DStv Diski Challenge, stated that their dedication has brought them to this crucial point in their quest for the DStv Diski Challenge title, stressing the importance of concluding the season on a high note.
The championship is attainable for the Chiefs, depending on their performance in the next five matches. To reclaim the top spot, they need to secure a win against TS Galaxy at Sugar Xulu Stadium this Sunday.
This upcoming match is crucial, especially since the reigning champions, Stellenbosch, have recently surged ahead after defeating Golden Arrows on Saturday. Currently, Stellenbosch tops the table with 57 points from 25 matches, while the Chiefs sit in second with 55 points and five games in hand.
“The pressure we experience is more manageable when it’s within our control; we rely on ourselves, not others,” Sheppard remarked, who began his role as assistant coach at the beginning of this season.
“This empowers us to take charge. As I’ve stated, we dictate the process, and if we perform well, we are likely to win the match, allowing us to stay atop the league, giving us a chance to lead.”
While the Chiefs stand a chance to win the Diski Challenge for the first time in its ten-year history, Sheppard emphasized that their focus remains on a match-by-match approach, beginning with Galaxy.
“As I’ve said, it’s game by game,” noted Sheppard, who recently experienced the loss of both parents.
“I advised the players to manage their emotions, as we fully understand what TS Galaxy can present, with Bernard Parker being a key player for them.”
“In our last encounter [a 4-1 victory], it was not a true representation of the match; they created several chances, and had they been more precise, the result might have been different.”
“I always stress that when our performance is on point, the results will follow, which has been evident this season.”
“The players will focus on their performance rather than the results, and as you can see, our displays have been impressive.”
“Moreover, we benefit from having the ability to rotate players more effectively; we experience healthy competition, which propels us forward.”
Following the match against Galaxy on Sunday, the Chiefs will encounter three additional opponents: Richards Bay [home], Magesi [home], and AmaZulu [away].
