High-flying FC Tafelzucht will have their work cut out when they face Saxon Rovers in the semi-finals of Safa Cape Town’s flagship competition, the Coca-Cola Amateur Cup, at Westridge, on Sunday.
For now, the newly-crowned LFA-Mitchell’s Plain league champions are happy to celebrate their 2-1 win against Heideveld’s Young Pirates, in a Coke Cup quarter-final played in Hanover Park, at the weekend.
Tafelzucht struggled to find their rhythm for most of the first half with their opponents leading 1-0 going into the break, thanks to a strike by Alphonzo Roman with an assist coming off a header from Shamiel Assur.
Coach Nigel Hawyn and co changed tact in the second half to take control of the game, resulting in better ball possession and goal-scoring opportunities.
Their efforts were rewarded when Keanu Josias equalised matters late in the second half with a deflected shot that hit the target in the 75th minute, followed by Yaseen Hartley’s header in the 84th minute. Hartley’s overall performance earned him the player-of-the-round award.
“The first half was quite difficult, all credit to Young Pirates,” said Hawyn, urging the players not to panic, to play it cool as if it was just another game.
“We reminded them to trust one another as a team, to go out there and play for our community, that’s the driving force of our project,” he said.
Hawyn, who’s been with the side for three years, can be forgiven for feeling somewhat relieved when referee Ryan New blew the final whistle. “The furthest we’ve gone in this competition was the last 16. We are on a high of excitement and joy, it’s all still sinking in. All preparation now for the next round,” he said.
While the focus is now on their next assignment, Hawyn took time to reflect on a season that can be described as their best since the club’s establishment in 2013.
“In spite of the many hurdles we had to face, like training facilities not having lights to train under, our boys showed passion and love for our community and club. That’s one of the things that have pulled us through. So far we’ve won the first round, second round and overall league with knockout finals,” he said.
“We had our ups and downs but we remain humble. Talent is one thing but passion and heart that our boys have shown is the main thing that’s gotten us this far,” he said.
“This project started in 2021 with the late Jeff Isaacs,” said founder-member and club chairman, Kenny Hendricks, paying tribute to the former Westridge soccer fundi known for his influence on the game in Mitchell’s Plain and beyond.
“I believe football is not just playing the game but the administration must know what the football brains are doing and vice versa. Our referees department was key to the success. I have respect for all referees because without them there will be no football,” he said.
In other senior Coke Cup action, Saxon Rovers beat Two for Joy 2-0 to set up a semi-final date against FC Tafelzuct; Vasco da Gama beat Goulburn 2-0 and Manenberg’s Young Idols beat Bonteheuwel’s Bluegum United 5-2.
