Head coach Roscoe Krieling has revealed a key factor behind Orlando Pirates’ recent dominance in the Diski Challenge, admitting he has undergone a significant shift in his man-management strategy.
“My belief is that with the current generation of players, you cannot just be hard on them. If you’re going to be hard on them all the time, you will lose them,” Krieling revealed. “So, as a coach now, you end up closer to being a friend. It is weird because many years ago, I would never have wanted to be friends with players, but now I am close to them.”
This modern approach is paying dividends. The high-flying Buccaneers once again stamped their authority at the UJ Soweto Campus on Saturday, securing a 2-1 victory over Sekhukhune United. The log leaders have now secured their sixth consecutive victory—and their 13th overall this campaign—marking one of the most formidable runs in the history of the DStv Diski Challenge [DDC].
CHIEFS STUMBLE WHILE SUNDOWNS KEEP PACE
Earlier on Saturday, Kaizer Chiefs Reserves kicked off Matchday 17 with a frustrating goalless draw against TS Galaxy at Dobsonville Stadium. Amakhosi were hoping for a rebound to propel them back into title contention following a recent loss to Marumo Gallants, but they instead registered their sixth draw of the season—the highest among the top five teams. The result left Chiefs in fifth, while TS Galaxy slipped to eighth.
On Sunday, Mamelodi Sundowns kept the pressure on the leaders with a 2-1 win over Siwelele FC. While Masandawana maintained the seven-point gap behind Pirates, their previous 2-0 defeat to Chiefs continues to haunt their pursuit of the top spot.
Meanwhile, defending champions Stellenbosch FC moved into third place. Stellies delivered a statement performance by thumping Magesi 4-1, marking their fifth consecutive win and signalling a late-season charge for the title.
Other Matchday 17 Results
Richards Bay FC 3-4 Golden Arrows
Chippa United 0-2 Durban City FC
Marumo Gallants 0-1 AmaZulu FC
Polokwane City FC 0-0 Orbit College FC
RELATED STORY: DDC: Chiefs sink Sundowns as Pirates move 7 points clear