Durban City FC interim coach Pitso Dladla has thrown his weight behind Darren Keet for the Nedbank Cup’s top individual honours, insisting the veteran goalkeeper’s heroics have been the backbone of the Citizens’ cup run.
Keet has been in superb form in both the Betway Premiership and the Nedbank Cup for the Durban-based club since his move at the beginning of the season.
He currently sits on 12 league clean sheets and two in the Nedbank Cup, where he has played a key role in helping his side reach the final.
Durban City FC will host TS Galaxy at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday night with kick-off set for 18:00.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Dladla insisted that the 36-year-old deserves formal recognition for his stellar performances this season. The coach has backed the veteran goalkeeper as a frontrunner for the Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament accolade.
WHY DARREN KEET DESERVES THE NEDBANK CUP PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT ACCOLADE
“Honestly, different players have played their roles in different games. Everybody has contributed equally. But Darren—because of the saves that he has made and the penalties that he has saved—[he deserves recognition for what he’s done this season],” said Dladla.
“He also kept clean sheets in 120 minutes and in the penalty shootout against Upington City FC [in the Nedbank Cup Last 16 in February].
“That’s something that makes him stand out. I think he’s a candidate for the Player of the Tournament. But it’s a collective effort from the players; they have contributed equally.”
DURBAN CITY COACH CAUTIONS INDIVIDUALITY AHEAD OF THE FINAL AGAINST TS GALAXY
Dladla has also emphasised the importance of teamwork ahead of a historic match for the KwaZulu-Natal side.
“For players, it means a lot to be in the final. Even those who have won before, it’s different,” he added.
“So we all want to win this cup. Some big players have played football but have never been in a final. So, for us, it’s something big, but we are also very cautious that it doesn’t become an individual thing. It must be something that benefits the team holistically.”
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