The SAFA Third Division League in Cape Town will reach its climax this weekend when defending champions Hanover Park take on a spirited Matroosfontein side in a quest to determine the overall winner.
The two sides won Stream A and Stream B to qualify for the play-offs, which promises to a mouth-watering encounter. The game will take place at Gugulethu Sports Ground at 15h00 on Saturday 14 August 2021.
Football activities may only have resumed last weekend after a month-long break due to the spike of COVID-19, but both sides have demonstrated their fine forms with massive wins: Hanover Park overcame Vasco Da Gama 5-2, and Matroosfontein hammered Greenwood Athletic 5-0.
But which team will emerge victorious?
While both sides understandably respect each other, they are confident that they are strong enough to win and go represent the region in the provincial play-offs later in the month for the two available spots in the ABC Motsepe League.
Matroosfontein head coach Patrick Weels believes the Elsies River side has what it takes to clinch the trophy, though they’re facing tough opponents.
“Both teams have worked very hard and deserve to be in the play-offs,” he says. “This is another step towards the goals we set for ourselves six years ago to play at a higher level. The attributes of a good club is when the community is behind them. Everybody in our community is behind us and for them not being able to watch us this season because of the pandemic is the reason for the team to go and win the game. The work has been done and it is up to the players to go and get their wages.”
Hanover Park coach Andrew Pequeno also praises his opponents. “They’re a very good side and we never underestimate them. We have been consistent but if we can play to our strength and do the job we will win. If we play 100 percent to our ability we can beat any team. At the end of the day the team that wants it more will win.”
Okay, so we’ve heard from the coaches. But what do our local football experts have to say about the matter?
Ask The Experts: Who’s Coming Out Tops?
Phiri Cawe correctly predicted last week that Hanover Park would beat Vasco Da Gama to win their stream..The former Zizwe United goalkeeper coach, who is now with Ocean Stars in the SAFA Overberg,.still believes that Hanover Park will still go all the way. “I stick with Hanover Park winning the playoffs tomorrow,” he says. “I believe they mean business and really want to see themselves playing at a higher level.”
Ricardo Daniels, chairman of ABC Motsepe League outfits Young Pirates, takes the opposite view – he’s certain that Matroosfontein will pull it through. “I’m 120% sure that Matroosfontein will win, 2-0 or 2-1; not because they are stronger than Hanover Park but because they are hungrier,” he says. “When the league resumed last week they had already won their stream but they did not take their game against Greenwood as a friendly and still gave 120% effort to win 5-0. They will win the play-offs tomorrow and will go on to win promotion to ABC Motsepe League.”
Thulani Njili, chairman of former Third Division side Young Rebels, agrees with Daniels. “Although Hanover Park have the experience of playing at a higher level, the way Matroosfontein is playing will give them the edge,” he says. “And their coach knows his story, and that will count to their advantage.”
But anything can happen out on the field .
So have your say. Who will come out triumphant tomorrow afternoon? Let us know at info@capeat6sport.co.za – and test your knowledge of the beautiful game!
