Lonwabo Marele
Yaseen Hartley and Keanu Josias’ two late goals earned Tafelzucht a spot in the Safa Cape Town Coca-Cola Cup last eight, at the Rooikraans sports complex, on Sunday, September 8.
Mitchell’s Plain’s footballing favourites, Tafelzucht beat Cape Town Tygerberg LFA log leaders Hanover Park 2-1 in the Coke Cup senior men’s last 16, in Grassy Park.
Hanover Park struck first, with Lionel Saal converting his rebound after saving his initial penalty kick.
With the wind to their advantage in the first half, Hanover Park dominated early play and looked set to score. However, Tafelzucht’s coach, Oswald Sauls, had prepared his team well for the challenge, especially knowing they entered the match as underdogs.
“We managed the game well, especially against the wind. From the start of the league to now, our vision is to win everything, even though our training facilities aren’t ideal due to the challenges in our area, including gangsterism. But I always remind the players to enjoy the game and play to their strengths,” said Sauls.
Tafelzucht turned the tide late in the second half with Hartley and Josias each finding the back of the net, sealing the comeback victory.
Both goals came after a determined effort to push forward, overcoming Hanover Park’s solid defence.
Hanover Park coach, Ralph Hendricks acknowledged the tough match as well as the crowd that braved the cold in Grassy Park.
“We knew it would be tough because everyone comes out firing to beat Hanover Park. Although we’re out of the Coke Cup, we remain top of the Cape Town Tygerberg Local Football Association league and in the knockout out final. We’ll keep focusing on winning those two trophies,” said Hendricks.
In other results, Goulburn Athletic won 2-0 against Manenberg’s FC Salvo; Blue Gum United beat Bishop Lavis 3-1; Vasco Da Gama won 2-0 over Fast XI from Khayelitsha; Young Pirates won 6-3 in a high-scoring match against Montague Spurs; and Two For Joy won 1-0 against Salt River Blackpool.
