SEDIBENG.- Orlando Pirates DSTV Diski Challenge (DDC) Coach, Joseph Makhanya, has said that playing their game in the Vaal was the best decision.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport, Makhanya said playing their DDC home games at Isak Steyl Stadium in Vanderbijlpark worked in their favour. The DDC season for 2024/2025 came to an end this weekend, with Kaizer Chiefs crowned the champions.
Makhanya further told Sedibeng Ster Sport that they received a positive response from Vaal soccer fans.
He said he acknowledges the support his team received from the Vaal people this season. Pirates and Sekhukhune United used the Isak Steyl Stadium for their DDC home games, with one playing on Saturday and the other on Sunday. The local soccer fans showed much love to both teams, especially when they hosted high-profile opponents such as Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs.
For example, the local soccer fans packed the venue to capacity when Sundowns beat the home team, Pirates, 1-0 in the DDC fixture recently. Makhanya said that Vaal people like football, but, unfortunately, this region doesn’t have a team that plays in the top-flight football.
He said there is a need for Vaal to have a team that plays in the top division for the sake of supporters. Makhanya said this region continues to produce great players. Some of the players that Makhanya played with from Vaal include Steve ‘Chippa’ Lekoelea.
