Plenty is at stake when Only The Brave and Sporting United take to the field tomorrow aftertoon, with both clubs eyeing promotion to the Regional Men’s Third Division and a chance to give their communities something to celebrate.
Only The Brave, established in 2013 between Manenberg and Heideveld, arrive after topping Group F with seven points. They drew 2-2 with U&I of Mandela Park before recording an entertaining 5-3 victory over Heinz Park FC of Mitchells Plain. They secured top spot with a 2-1 win over Hout Bay All Stars of Goodhope LFA.
The club joined Heideveld LFA in 2017 and quickly established itself as a force, finishing runners-up in its first season before winning the league the following year. They went on to claim three more consecutive league titles.
However, despite qualifying for the playoffs on several occasions, the quarterfinals have repeatedly proved to be their stumbling block.
Now competing as Only The Brave after breaking away from Jordan Callies, the club believes promotion would provide an important platform for developing young players, particularly giving emerging talent the opportunity to compete at a higher level.
The team also has a history with its upcoming opponents, having beaten Sporting in a previous Coke Cup final while competing as Jordan Callies.
That history adds an interesting subplot to tomorrow’s encounter.
Sporting United, established in 1991, will be equally determined to progress. The Bonteheuwel outfit topped Group E with seven points, beating Ontario FC 4-1 before drawing 3-3 with Game Yethu of Philippi and edging Cape Town Celtics of Blokombos 4-3.
The club boasts an impressive history, including Hardys Cup and Toyota Super League success, as well as victories in Castle League relegation playoffs.
However, the past seven years have been challenging. Sporting have since focused on rebuilding through youth development, while managerial changes have brought back former players who previously left to play and coach in the Tygerberg LFA.
The club has reached the playoffs twice before without success and hopes a third attempt will finally deliver promotion.
“Qualifying for the Regional Men’s Third Division would be great for the Bonteheuwel community as they yearn for competitive football. It would also give other clubs hope of achieving that status,” the club said.
Despite the postponement of the playoffs last weekend (for safety reasons), Sporting insist preparations have continued, with the technical team and players confident they can achieve their ambition.
Neither team will have the advantage of knowing its opponent’s current competitive strengths, having never faced each other under their present identities.
With Only The Brave carrying the memory of a previous cup final victory over Sporting and both clubs desperate to end their playoff frustrations, this could be one of the more compelling quarterfinals.
The prediction: Only The Brave 3-2 Sporting United
This is arguably the toughest fixture to call. Both sides have demonstrated attacking quality, scoring eight goals each in their respective three group campaigns.
However, I am giving Only The Brave a slight advantage. Their league-winning history, familiarity with the playoff environment and previous victory over Sporting in the Coke Cup final could provide an important psychological boost.
Sporting’s experience and determination to restore their former standing make them dangerous opponents, particularly after their impressive 4-3 victory over Cape Town Celtics.
My verdict: Only The Brave to edge a five-goal thriller, but Sporting United have enough quality to make this a contest that could go either way.
Kick-off is at 15h00 at the Greens Sports Complex, Manenberg Astro. Stay tuned for more.
