Coke Cup squads battle for quarter-final spot
Rygersdal goalkeeper Kashief Trumpeter gathers the ball under pressure from Atlantis-based Jomo's Power players during their sides' round of 16 Safa Cape Town Coke Cup fixture, at the Rooikrans sportsground, in Grassy Park on Sunday
Image: Mark Ward
Mark Ward
Rygersdal FC's ambition to enter the semi-professional ranks received a timely boost at the weekend, as they booked their place in the quarter-finals of Safa Cape Town's Amateur Coca-Cola Cup competition. A 1-0 win, courtesy of a well-taken first-half strike by Alphonzo Roman, secured them a spot in the next round.
The milestone comes on the back of the club’s recent acquisition of Hollywoodbets Third Division status, which forms part of the fourth tier in South Africa’s professional football set-up. This achievement signals a new era for Rygersdal, who moved swiftly to appoint experienced tactician Ashraf Calvert as head coach. With a proven record of success and the ability to guide teams at all levels, Calvert’s arrival has injected fresh belief into the squad’s long-term ambitions.
That confidence was on full display in their tense round-of-16 clash. Despite relentless pressure from the opposition, Calvert’s men showed discipline and determination to preserve their advantage until the final whistle, highlighting the resilience that their coach is known for instilling in his teams.
Looking ahead, Rygersdal will face Ashford Athletics from the Cape District LFA in the quarter-finals, a matchup that promises to test their growing momentum. Reflecting on the victory, Calvert praised his side for their fighting spirit under pressure. “It was a good team effort, and the boys worked hard to hold on to the result,” he said.
“We’re taking it one game at a time, but our focus now shifts to preparations for the next round. The aim is always to improve with every performance.”
The Coke Cup has long been a stage where clubs showcase their quality, with Rygersdal be peaking at just the right time.
In other action, Hanover Park also laid down a marker with a solid 2-0 victory over Rock-A-Fellas. Goals on either side of the break from Yaseen Hartley and Shafwan Hendricks ensured their passage into the next stage, showing they, too, are serious contenders for this year’s title.
With the likes of Rygersdal and Hanover Park advancing, the quarter-finals are shaping up to deliver thrilling encounters.
Rygersdal head coach Ashraf Calvert is cautiously optimistic following his side 1-0 win against Jomo's Power in a Coke Cup last round of 16 fixture, at Rooikrans, at the weekend.
Image: Mark Ward
Luke Camelo of Rygersdal keeps his eye on the ball with defenders hot on his heels, during his side's Coke Cup last 16 match against Jomo's Power.
Image: Mark Ward
Rygersdal goalkeeper Kashief Trumpeter gains possession under pressure during his sode's Coke Cup match against Jomo's Power.
Image: Mark Ward