The inaugural Hanover Park Derby promises some pulsating action, as a rampant Hanover Park take on a reincarnated Premier United. The tale of two blood brothers, Shamiel and Riedewaan Anthony, is a narrative for the upcoming maiden Derby.
“Hanover Park and Premier United are like a family,” says Riedewaan. “Hanover is the baby and Premier the mother or parent club initially. So it’s a bit of a family affair.”
(Image: Sitting is Shamiel, Riedewaan standing)
Initially, they were side by side but now Riedewaan represents the Red half of Hanover Park, while Shamiel stands up for the Blue of that very same perch. But the match is more about bringing the community together.
“My entire family will be coming – who usually don’t watch football,”. “My mom is hopefully coming to watch the game and she won’t be taking any sides. And football will be the winner irrespective of the results.”
“There is a lot of history between the two clubs and I think also the fact that Hanover Park has had such a good track record over the last 10 or 15 years,” says Andrew Pequeno, the Hanover Park Head Coach. “But Premier was first, I had to learn the history of all the clubs when I joined the club like five years ago, and it was an interesting story.”
Premier United was established in 1980. It originates from a company in Epping called Premier Wire. Where Riedewaan Anthony started working and playing in the industrial league and then joining Hanover Park LFA. Premier United went on to win numerous Coke Cup competitions as well as ample league titles. Premier became a well-respected household name in footballing circles, during the ‘80s and ‘90s.
“Premier was very successful – they played in the NFD and they played against Pirates in the ABSA Cup back in the day. They had to close Greenpoint Stadium because there were so many people there.”
In 2005 a name change took place, bringing forth the formidable Hanover Park. The idea was to bring all teams of Hanover Park under one banner. They then joined the Cape Town Tygerberg LFA where they reached even greater heights – even going as far as reaching the National First Division (GladAfrica Championship).
Premier United, however, no longer existed…until three years ago, when it was revived and rejoined Hanover Park LFA – setting the stage for the ultimate clash.
Premier vs Hanover: What To Expect
With everyone focused on the Derby, Pequeno is treating it as just another game – but he’s not underestimating his opponents.
“I respect their team for their first season. They are doing really well. It’s a team that’s very solid. I’ve got a lot of respect for Coach Sam. It doesn’t matter where you are on the log. It’s attacking football like us so it should be an exciting one with both teams wanting to be on the front foot. Boils down to who wants it more.
(Image: Mickyle George (left), Andrew Pequeno (right) Hanover Park Coach)
Mickyle George, Hanover Park’s leading goal scorer at their last training session, has a big burden to carry after the departure of May to Cape Town City but he is hoping to regain his confidence and make an impact in this upcoming game at the Downberg Road Sports Complex, the home of both outfits.
“We know what our log standing is, so the most important thing is for us to grab 3 points. We are just taking it game by game and it’s their time this week”, said the towering and animated George.
Forward we move to the so-called-underdogs for this clash. Premier United has been waiting for the Derby for a long time.
“In many ways we are probably one of the most successful teams in the history of Hanover Park,” says Shamiel Anthony, the Premier United Coach. “The project is still very young, but we’re getting there. Slowly but surely we are rebuilding our fan base and people are discovering that Premier United is back.”
Anthony believes Premier’s return is good for the community.
“Our relationship with the community has always been good. And there was definitely a need for another third division in our area. Hanover Park is on another level so youngsters drift and go to other clubs. So It was important to get Premier United going again.”
Khaleel Rylands, Premier United’s highest goal scorer, is in high spirits.
“We are quite excited for it and looking forward to a good game of football. Hanover Park is obviously a very strong team, doing very well – they are the favourites going into the game. But we have some good potential in our squad at Premier – and on that day I believe we could cause an upset and that’s what we are aiming for.”
(Image: Khaleel Rylands, Premier United)
He’s confident that it will be a match worth watching.
“Hopefully it will live up to the hype because I know many people are looking forward to it. I guess we’ll see how things turn out. We will be preparing ourselves and just looking forward and quite excited. I think it should be an interesting game.”
A Match Worth Waiting For
“I’m excited by the fact that the Derby is back,” Pequeno notes. “It’s sad that we can’t open the gates because in the old days it would have been chock-a-block. The community needs hope. On the Cape Flats, the times we are living in… It brings people of different gangs together, the family and friends. They don’t cause problems and they are there to support their friends and football. That is what community football is about. Hopefully the second round game supporters will be allowed in.”
Families will be divided, friends will stand on opposite sides – but the community will be buzzing and will come together like never before, forgetting about their personal rivalries for one day.
“Premier are sort of rising from the ashes like a Phoenix. Rebuilding their legacy again – and I think a lot of Hanover Park supporters came from the Premier days. I see the older generation supporting Premier and the younger guys supporting Hanover Park.”
Hanover Park rests at the summit of the log, while Premier United holds their poise at fifth position. But where will your loyalties lie as these two teams go to war?
Inaugural Hanover Park Derby
- Who: Premier United vs Hanover Park
- Where: Downberg Sports Complex – Hanover Park
- Date: Friday 25 February 2022
- Time : 19:30
