Cape Town’s CR Vasco Da Gama have won the Sasol National Championships after defeating City Lads 4-3 in a thrilling final yesterday, in the process completing the treble of trophies in one of their most successful seasons.
A brace by the competition’s top goal-scorer Miche Minnies, and one apiece from Chantay Norris and Roxanne Barker were enough to give Vasco the much-deserved title which has R200 000 prize money.
The Parow-based Vasco, who also won the Safa Cape Town-run Coke Cup and the Sasol League Western Cape, became only the second club from the Mother City to win the Sasol National Championships after Cape Town Roses. And their success means that they have earned promotion to the top flight HollywoodBets Super League, joining the University of the Western Cape as the only two sides from the province.
It’s not a coincidence that this has all been done under the management of Ashraf Calvert in his maiden season as a head coach. To do all this and remain undefeated for the entire season is a huge feat that had to be cherished and investigated.
“I think it’s due to hard work, determination and good planning,” Calvert commented after the victory last night. “We really wanted it and it’s been all on training and commitment from the ladies and the coaching staff. It’s all the efforts paying in and a bit of luck here and there. In football you always need a bit of luck.”
Having been promoted to the Super League, Vasco will now face the best women football teams in South Africa on a weekly basis. But Calvert was not concerned about that for now.
“As for the plans for the HollywoodBets Super League I can’t say anything about that. What we do know is that the league starts in April. Things have to be done, preparation and pre-season has to start.”
Working as head coach of both Vasco and ABC Motsepe side Clarewood JPM FC, teams that are now operating at a high level, it is likely going to be impossible for Calvert to continue wearing both hats and may have to choose one. On top of that, with all that he has achieved, more offers could be heading in his direction. But he refused to comment on that matter because he has to have meetings with the relative parties before making a final decision.
We caught up with Minnies, the 20 year old goal machine who bagged a brace in the final to become the top goal-scorer of the tournament with seven goals. Her awareness, calmness and finishing technique rates amongst the highest at the competition. We delved into what winning this coveted cup means to her and the squad.
“It was a great opportunity to win another trophy and to qualify for the HollywoodBets Super League. It is because of the hard work that we are here. We pushed through and I’m happy for the team. If it wasn’t for them then I wouldn’t have won the player of the tournament award and become the top goal scorer.”
Having done so well in the tournament, Minnies has reportedly been scouted by a number of top teams and universities, with teams like University of Johannesburg, Mamelodi Sundowns and other teams in the Super League are said to be waiting in the wings.
“I’m not sure because I first want to see what Vasco’s plans are,” Minnies responded to the rumours. “My head is sore because I’m not sure what to do. I don’t want to leave my team because we’ve worked so hard to get to this stage.”
Minnies’ teammate Jessica Williams was named the Goalkeeper of the Tournament for her heroics throughout the competition.
Calvert gave credit to her team for the success and thanked the Cape Town football community for their support.
“The experience was very hard and conditions were extreme. The ladies pulled through adversity and it was one of my hardest seasons as a coach but also the most successful. As Vasco, we felt the support from families, friends and the communities. We really appreciate them and we are here only because of their support. It just shows how football can bring communities and people together and for that we are truly grateful. It just brings out the passion even more. This is the time to just show that appreciation.”
