MARK WARD

Arreshaat Daniels and his FN Rangers troops will change focus to the national ABC Motsepe League play-offs after clinching the Western Cape title.

Daniels heaped praise on his players after they beat Clarewood Antalyaspor 2-0 in the Western Cape final, at a packed William Herbert sports ground, in Wynberg, on Saturday.

Focused... FN Ranger coach Arreshaat Daniels keeps a close eye on the action during his side’s clash against Clarewood Antalyaspor, at the weekend. Picture: Mark Ward

“The players deserve all the praise for putting in lots of energy and hard work to get themselves into this situation. They are the ones that made all the sacrifices. The bulk of the players and my management were on this journey before and I could see how much it meant for them and they showed its against Clarewood with an excellent performance,” said Daniels.

FN Rangers Giovannie Philander, right, maintains possession under pressure during Saturday’s Western Cape ABC Motsepe League final against Clarewood Antalyaspor, at the William Herbert sports ground on Saturday. Picture: Mark Ward

It was indeed heartening to see the Southern “heuwel” packed with supporters and legends of both clubs, creating a festival atmosphere for the match. Darron “Billy” Omaticus and Morne Bennett struck either side of the break, which secured Rangers a record 17 unbeaten league-winning streak this season.

Shane van der Westhuizen of FN Rangers keeps his marker at bay during his side’s Western Cape ABC Motsepe League final against Clarewood Antalyaspor, at the William Herbert sports gound on Saturday. Picture: Mark Ward

The occasion brought back many memories of the days of the famous Clarewood versus Battswood clashes which drew capacity crowds to the historic venue.

But the hard work starts this week already, says Daniels, who has been at the helm of this side since they played in the Safa Cape Town Third Division in 2018.

Lungisa Meleni of Clarewood Antalyaspor takes control of the ball during his side’s Western Cape ABC Motsepe League final against FN Rangers, at the William Herbert sports ground on Saturday. Picture: Mark Ward

The national play-offs get under way from Monday June 17 to Sunday June 23 in Upington where the Maitland-base side will be competing against the regional winners of the country’s nine provinces. The winner will gain automatic promotion to the National First Division.

While Daniels expressed his delight with his side’s achievements, he rushed to point out the hard task that lies ahead for his troops.

“We have already started with our preparation. This will be our first play-offs and we want to give it a full go. It’s tough and we want to make use of this opportunity and win promotion. That is our objective. I have full confidence in our troops to emerge as winners. But it’s going to be tough,” said Daniels.

Clarewood Antalyaspor’s Luciano Johnson wins possession in the air during his side’s Western Cape ABC Motsepe League final against FN Rangers, at the William Herbert sports ground on Saturday. Picture: Rayaan Alie

Clarewood Antalyaspor’s Lungisa Meleni, centre, challenges for the ball during his side’s Western Cape ABC Motsepe League final against FN Rangers, at the William Herbert sports ground on Saturday. Picture: Rayaan Alie

Clarewood Antalyaspor’s Juanito Manuel gains possession with teammate Keenan Abrahams coming up in support during his side’s Western Cape ABC Motsepe League final against FN Rangers, at the William Herbert sports ground on Saturday. Picture: Rayaan Alie

Keenan Abrahams, left, and his FN Rangers counterpart, tussle for possession during their sides match at the weekend. Picture: Rayaan Alie

Saturday’s Western Cape ABC Motsepe League final between FN Rangers and Clarewood Antalyaspor’s, at the William Herbert sports ground on Saturday drew a big crowd, reminiscent of famous Clarewood versus Battswood clashes of yesteryear which drew capacity crowds to the historic venue. Picture: Rayaan Alie

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FN Rangers march on to ABC Motsepe play-offs