Kaizer Chiefs DStv Diski Challenge coach Dillon Sheppard has recalled their recent trip to the UK, where the young Amakhosi beat Manchester United’s U21 side.
Chiefs’ reserves went on the trip to the UK after winning the DDC title last season, and made some positive headlines, beating United 3-1 before drawing 1-1 with Leeds United and finishing the tour with a goalless draw against Queens Park Rangers.
Sheppard, who was the coach on the trip in the absence of Vela Khumalo, recalled how his team needed to get used to the change in weather, as well as the pitch conditions, but managed to adapt and beat the Premier League giants.
“We went from summer to winter conditions and some of our players had never experienced cold, rainy weather every day,” he told Chiefs’ media team.
“The pitches and conditions were very different from what they are used to, but after our second session leading into the Manchester United (U21) game one could see that they had adapted and were ready for it.
“In our game against them, we knew we would have to step up our physicality and technical application but after taking a bit of time to settle, we were able to use or speed and skill to get in behind them and came out with a very pleasing 3-1 win.”
The Chiefs youngsters also visited two Premier League sides and were welcomed at the Premier League headquarters by former England goalkeeper David James, who himself still has an Amakhosi kit in his selection.
“In our downtime, we went to watch Manchester City v Leeds United at the Etihad stadium, where we were warmly welcomed and treated very well. The boys got to see the quality of the Premier League first-hand,” he added.
“We also got the chance to see Leeds host Chelsea at Elland Road and managed to spend some quality time with an absolute legend of both Leeds and Amakhosi, Lucas Radebe, with whom we walked around the pitch pre-match to tremendous applause.
“The following day, we went to the Premier League headquarters where we were hosted by former England goalkeeper, David James, who I had met about 30 years ago at the School of Excellence and he reminded me that he still has a 1994 Kappa Kaizer Chiefs jersey, which was great to hear. The players got to ask him questions and he shared valuable insights of the highs and lows of a career spanning over 800 top flight games.”
Sheppard also shared his appreciation with Multichoice and Chiefs for organising the once-in-a-lifetime trip for the reigning DDC champions.
“We are all deeply grateful to Multichoice who made it all possible and were with us every step of the way. It has energised us to want to go out and do well in the DDC again and put ourselves in a position to experience this again. Thank also to Kaizer Chiefs. We really appreciate the support and everything we get from the Club and we thank you very much,” he concluded.
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