Quarter-final disappointment for Westridge FC

fuad Esack|Published 1 year ago

Westridge midfielder Jarred Steenveld causing all sorts of problems for the defence and Hazendal FC goalkeeper Riyaaz Niewenhuys, during a Coke Cup quarter-final match, in Dunoon. Picture: Fuad Esack

Westridge FC’s senior side will not be among the squads taking to the pitch in the next round of the Coca-Cola Amateur Cup competition, after they went down 5-3 in a tense penalty shoot-out against Hazendal, in their quarter-final clash, at Dunoon, on Sunday.

Coach Ismail du Toit’s charges can consider themselves unlucky after coming oh so close to finding the back of the net on multiple occasions throughout the match, especially towards the end. With the score locked at 1-all at the end of normal time, it all came down to the dreaded penalty shoot-out...

Westridge FC goalkeeper Toufeeq Soules and his Hazendal counterpart, Riyaaz Niewenhuys, during Sunday’s penalty shoot-out. Picture: Fuad Esack

Westridge started off at a slow pace, trying to suss out the opposition, Hazendal attacking from the word go, Du Toit said.

The Mitchell’s Plain side absorbed a lot of pressure early on, but remained composed with captain Kent Steenveld directing his defence to good effect, eventually finding their rhythm and going in to the break 1-0 up, thanks to attacking mid-fielder Yazeed Davids’ well-timed left-footed shot.

Westridge FC’s band of supporters keep a close eye on the action during their side’s Coke Cup quarter-final match against Hazendal. Picture: Fuad Esack

“We took control of the game and created more than enough chances,” said Du Toit, “we just couldn't put the ball into the net. Close to the end of the game we created about five clear-cut chances and we literally missed all of them,” he said.

Westridge’s frustrations continued with an appeal for a penalty dismissed and Hazendal pulling one back to send the game into penalties.

“And,” said Du Toit, “as we all know, penalties is anyone's game.”

Hazendal’s FC Rivano Swartz sandwiched between Westridge’s Charles Schuller and Zaundre van Niekerk. Picture: Fuad Esack

First to congratulate his opponents, Du Toit also had nothing but praise for his side. “Yes, we had complete control of the game, Charles Schuller putting the ball behind the defenders forcing them to turn to their own goal,” he said.

“Our midfield dominating the game, Jarred winning almost every ball that there was to be won and in the midfield, our strikers Naeem Nanga and Gavin Saayman’s movements were very good, always putting Hazendal defence under pressure. They were very difficult to contain,” Du Toit said.

Westridge danger man Devon Bailey dominant in the air during his side’s Coke Cup quarter-final against Hazendal. Picture: Fuad Esack

“We made some changes, brought on Devon Bailey and Nazeer Smith for more attacking options and immediately created a few chances. For the 20 minutes Devon was on, he could have scored a hat-trick.

Westridge’s Devon Bailey and Shamryn Matthys tussle for the ball during their sides’ quarter-final clash. Picture: Fuad Esack

“That said, we have to congratulate Hazendal FC as they did very well, so a big congratulations to them.” he said.

• In other action, Hanover Park-based Diadora FC ace marksman, Siya Madikane, was unstoppable against Lavender Hill, scoring a hat-trick in the second half, to help his side to a 3-1 victory.