It has been over a month since Hanover Park last played a competitive football match, but the Cape Town Regional Third Division League champions are more than ready for the Western Cape Provincial playoffs this weekend.
Coach Andrew Pequeno said although the break has been a big challenge, the boys have been kept on the ball and their preparations for the playoffs have gone very well.
“We have been able to keep the boys motivated,” he says. “The spirit in the camp is very high, and the fitness levels of the team are even higher as well. We are more than ready, even if we have to play two games a day.”
The Brasse Vannie Park will travel to Paarl to go head-to-head with two of the other five regional winners in one of the two groups, with the winners of each group earning promotion to the ABC Motsepe League, the third tier of football in the land. Other regional winners are hosts Battalions FC from the Bolland, WC Fleethood FC, Simunye FC, Rangers FC and Brothers United FC
Hanover Park dominated the SAFA Cape Town-run region and won the 2021-22 league with a 15-point lead over second-placed Cape Town City FC.
The league was wrapped up on 28 May, and the Park players had to wait as other regions were still concluding their programmes.
“I’m extremely proud of them for getting to this stage. And we need to complete our mission and our mission is to get into the ABC Motsepe League. So, we have put in the preparations, we are holding thumbs and are ready for the games on Saturday and Sunday.”
As ready as Hanover Park may be, Pequeno believes the playoffs will be tough – and football fans can expect some tight contests.
And the expected heavy rains in the Cape this weekend will not make matters any easier.
“The weather will be the same for both teams on the field of play at any point in time. But we will go out and give our best.”
There’s a lot riding on them – but they’re not letting the pressure get to them.
“We are fighting for each other, for our club, the community of Hanover Park and we are fighting for Cape Town. And whatever the outcome will be, my boys will give everything on the field.”
Hanover Park will know their opponents on Friday, when the draw is set to take place. Stay tuned for more.
Edited by Nicklaus Kruger
