Hanover Park ready to fill the void left by Spurs

Mark Ward

Hanover Park FC is ready to step-up to fill the void left by Cape Town Spurs in the National First Division (NFD) following their relegation to the Western Cape ABC Motsepi League.

This is how Rieduwaan Anthony, chairperson of Hanover Park, reacted in the wake of Spurs’ relegation from the National First Division (NFD).

Spurs has, however, lodged an appeal, over the eligibility of Saziso Magawana who starred for Durban City who beat them 1-0 in the final match at the Athlone Stadium on Sunday. If the PSL disciplinary committee makes a ruling against City, it is likely to lead to further high court appeals.  

Anthony’s chargers, on the other hand, qualified to play in the ABC Motsepe League national play-offs after being crowned the Western Cape overall champions this past weekend.

The Brasse of the Park, as they are affectionately known, defeated fellow Capetonians Zizwe United 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time, at the Cloetesville sportsground in Stellenbosch on Saturday.

Anthony says Spurs’ demotion is a body blow to football development in the Mother City since the club’s youth programme has seen many of them thrive over the years.

Many previously Cape Town-based players came through the club’s ranks especially after the merger of Cape Town Spurs and Seven Stars to form Ajax Cape Town in 1999.

After Ajax Amsterdam severed ties with the Cape club, Spurs came into being. It was a great move by the owners because the Spurs’ name previously had strong ties with the Cape Town community.

“Look it is a fact and Cape Town must celebrate the success of the Ajax Cape Town / Cape Town Spurs youth development. But I blame the owners who made poor decisions. You cannot expect to play a bunch of youngsters in an NFD league where many experienced players end their careers or are being loaned by PSL clubs. So yes, it’s a sad day for Cape Town. What is going to happen to development programmes, coaches, drivers and many other staff? These things cost money and big sponsors are unlikely to stay,” said Anthony.

While a date has not been set for the national play-offs, it is likely to be held in KwaZulu-Natal, and Anthony says he is confident that his team will win promotion.

“We are ready to give it a shot, and the players are keen and ready. It is our turn to play at the top level and I think we are better prepared than in previous years,” added Anthony.  

Spurs’ demotion to the Western Cape ABC Motsepe League leaves the administrators with a conundrum as an extra team must be demoted to make 12 teams each. The irony is Cape Town Spur’s regional team is among the demoted sides.