Pequeno leads Vasco to regional third division title
Coach Andrew Pequeno has once again written his name in regional football history, this time with Vasco Da Gama in Parow.
Having previously tasted success with Hanover Park Football Club, Pequeno helped Vasco to clinch the Safa Cape Town Men’s Regional League title with one game left in the season.
Vasco are on 73 points after playing 33 matches. They won 21, drew 10 and lost two. They are 10 points ahead of Saxon Rovers, followed by Matroosfontein (59) and Cape Town City FC (58).
Reflecting on their journey to victory, Pequeno emphasised the importance of a strong pre-season and the dedication of his players.
“We had most of the players we required from the beginning. The boys put in the hard work and we were ready for the first game,” he said.
Despite a slow start to the season, Vasco remained consistent, resulting in an unbeaten first round.
Their strategic adjustments helped them through to the final stretch of the season.
“We knew we had to win the last six games to win the league and we achieved that through hard work and dedication. Winning the league with a game to spare gave us some breathing space to enjoy the moment,” he said.
The key to Vasco's success lay in their positive, attacking style of play, coupled with a stable defensive foundation.
Pequeno said the technical team’s sharpness and the knowledge they have of opposing teams’ historical playing styles, proved invaluable in navigating challenges throughout the season.
However, as Vasco set their sights on the regional play-offs for the ABC Motsepe League, they remain undaunted by the likelihood of facing unfamiliar opponents.
Drawing from his past experiences with Hanover Park, Pequeno is determined to prepare his squad for any challenge they may encounter, in the play-offs, in June.
“The play-offs are always a lottery. But we will sharpen our tools and be ready for the challenge,” he said.
Pequeno's journey to success hasn't been without its share of challenges. After a successful period with Hanover Park, which included guiding them through their inaugural season in the ABC Motsepe League, Pequeno sought a new challenge.
Joining Vasco marked the beginning of a new chapter in his coaching career. “Thank you to Paul de Gouveia, our owner of the franchise, my technical team, the players and supporters of Vasco Da Gama FC. Please continue to support us on the rest of our journey as we embark on the play-offs phase of our mission,” said Pequeno.
