Tafelzucht a step closer to promotion

Mark Ward

Former professional footballer, Dominic Isaacs, is brimming with confidence as his FC Tafelzucht (FCT) side moves closer to securing promotion to the SAFA Cape Town Third Division.

Current Mitchells Plain LFA champions, FCT enjoyed a superb weekend at the Rooikrans sports ground in Grassy Park, recording three consecutive victories in the promotional play-offs. Isaacs, a former Ajax Cape Town and Kaizer Chiefs defender, now finds himself guiding a young, hungry squad determined to follow in his professional footsteps.

Tafelzucht opened their campaign on Saturday with an emphatic 3-0 win over Cape Town Pirates, thanks to a brace from the in-form Achmat Davids and a well-taken second-half strike from Luke Sauls. The momentum carried into Sunday’s fixtures, where Davids continued his remarkable form, netting both goals in a 2-1 triumph over Hout Bay Athletic.

In their final group encounter, Tafelzucht once again delivered under pressure, defeating FC Porto 2-1. Davids found the opener to make it his fifth goal of the tournament, while Seth Allen added the second to seal the win and confirm their place in Saturday’s quarterfinals in Manenberg.

Isaacs praised his team’s composure and unity, saying the results were the product of hard work and discipline. “These boys have shown tremendous character. We’re not just playing for a title, we’re playing to represent the Tafelsig Community at a higher level,” he said.

He is, however, concerned that teams were asked to play two games on Sunday with only one hour's rest between games. “Look, it is of grave concern that players were asked to play two matches with one hour’s rest. We must take player welfare seriously. 

“Look at the number of players who suffered heart attacks in recent years. Some of my players arrive only after seven from work, and only then can training commence. So I would to plead with officials not to repeat such scheduling,”  he added.  

Tafelzucht will now face a stern test in the quarter-finals against Vasco da Gama, on Saturday, at the Manenberg sports complex, where all four last-eight fixtures will be contested. The winners will advance to Sunday’s semifinals, with the two teams reaching the final earning automatic promotion to the Third Division, a goal Isaacs and his players have been targeting all season.

Promotion would mark a major milestone for Tafelzucht, a community-driven club that has rapidly grown into a powerhouse in local football. He believes the team’s success could inspire a new generation of Tafelsig football talent.

“We want to show that there’s quality football being played in our community despite the poor facilities we have. We have been knocking on doors, but we have come up against brick walls,” he added.

Tafelzucht’s dream of Third Division football is now just two wins away, and Isaacs’ men look ready for the challenge.

Fixtures, Saturday, November 1: 

11am:  Vasco da Gama v FC Tafelzucht; 

12.30pm: Goulburn Athletic v Hazendal; 

2pm: Everton United v Young Idols; 

15.30pm: PSV Quemic U&I FC