Oasis through to next round of Coke Cup action
Dylan Esau the Oasis Football Club controls the ball during his side's Safa Cape Town Coke Cup fixture against Police FC, at the Rooikrans sportsground in Grassy Park, on Sunday.
Image: Mark Ward
Mark Ward
Lotus River-based Oasis Football Club booked their place in the next round of Safa Cape Town’s Coke Cup with a 5–2 win against Police FC, at the Rooikrans sportsground, in Grassy Park on Sunday.
This round of 128 encounter saw a determined Police side put up a resilient fight in the early stages, but began to fade midway through the first half as Oasis started to command more of the game.
Oasis head coach, Edward Ackerman, barked instructions from the sidelines. His urgent commands to follow the game plan played a crucial role in turning the tide, as his charges responded with good build-ups.
Oasis head coach Edward Ackerman looking relaxed following his side's 5–2 win in a Safa Cape Town Coke Cup fixture, at Rooikrans, at the weekend.
Image: Mark Ward
Hat-rick hero, Dylan Esau, gave his side a commanding 2–0 lead at the break. His movement off the ball and composure in front of goal proved too much for the Bobbies' defence to handle.
Esau completed his hat-trick shortly after the interval, capitalising on a defensive lapse to put the game beyond doubt. His third goal effectively broke any remaining resistance from the Bobbies, who struggled to regain their earlier momentum.
With the result all but secured, Oasis continued to press forward. Christopher Claasen added a fourth goal in the 75th minute, driving a powerful shot past the helpless goalkeeper. Just minutes before the final whistle, Katleho Moliana rounded off the scoring with a tidy finish following a well-worked team move.
Oasis Football Club's Katleho Moliana comforbale on the ball during his side's Coke Cup round of 128 match against Police FC, at Rooikrans, on Sunday.
Image: Mark Ward
Ackerman, who took charge of the team at the beginning of the season, was full of praise for his players’ commitment.
Although happy with the result, Ackerman also stressed the importance of doing well at South Peninsula LFA.
“I’m confident that we will go far in this competition,” said Ackerman after the match. “We’ve already advanced further than we did last season, and this is an achievement. The boys played very well today. They stuck to the game plan and showed discipline.”
Police FC’s Dhumsani Dyanase and Ayanda Marele of Oasis tussle for possession during their sides' Safa Cape Town Coke Cup fixture, at Rooikrans, on Sunday.
Image: Mark Ward
While the Coke Cup offers a platform for silverware and pride, Ackerman also underlined the importance of the club’s league title ambitions.
“We are currently third on the table, and every match matters. But if we keep this level of performance, I believe we can challenge for the honours in both competitions.”
In another match played at Grassy Park on Sunday, SSS Academy beat Lenteguer City 3-1.
Nazeerud-Deen van der Ross of SSS Academy controls the ball with Lentegeur City's Micah Jephtas closing in, during their sides' Safa Cape Town Coke Cup fixture, at the weekend.
Image: Mark Ward