Spurs/Hanover Park quarter-final clash could be a humdinger
Montague Spurs FC's Keenan Abrahams, left, and Abubakar Josephs of Westridge FC challenge for the ball during their sides' Coke Cup round of 16 match played at Rooikrans, in Grassy Park, on Sunday.
Image: Mark Ward
Mark Ward
Montague Spurs have set their sights on toppling high-riding Hanover Park FC in their upcoming Coke Cup quarter-final clash.
The two sides will meet in the next round of Safa Cape Town’s popular knockout competition after emerging victorious in the round of 16 matches played at Rooikrans, in Grassy Park, on Sunday.
Both sides won the respective matches with Hanover Park beating Mitchell’s Plain’s Rock A Fellas 2-0 while Spurs showed great character to beat another team from the Plain, Westridge United 5-3.
Montague's Riyaaz Koopstadt controls the ball under pressure from a Westridge defender during their sides' Coke Cup round of 16 match, in Grassy Park on Sunday.
Image: Mark Ward
Playing into the blustery cold wind, Spurs came back twice in the first half with strikes from Riyaaz Koopstadt and Moosa Stellenboom to level the score at 2-all at the half-time break.
Garth Prins opened the score for Westridge to give his side an early lead with Devan Bailey side-footing home the second to give the Mitchells Plain side a 2-1 lead.
However, Spurs dominated the second half. Koopstadt and Stellenboom added second-half strikes while Rameez Jacobs fired home the fifth to not only end Westridge’s dream of advancing through to the next stage and saved organisers, Safa Cape Town, some embarrassment and potential boardroom drama.
Westridge FC's Devan Bailey celebrates after scoring the second goal in his side's round of 16 match against Montague Spurs, in Grassy Park on Sunday. Bailey's celebrations did not last long as Spurs came back twice to level matters going into the break
Image: Mark Ward
Controversy arose at the start of the encounter after it emerged Westridge had, in fact, been suspended by its home governing body, the Mitchells Plain LFA, for misconduct, a sanction that derailed their league campaign.
The revelation caused confusion and unease among officials, who only learned of the suspension just before kick-off. Had Westridge won, Safa Cape Town could have faced a nightmare of protests and boardroom disputes. Instead, Spurs’ emphatic triumph ensured the competition remained on course without any disputes.
For Spurs, the victory is more than just progression; it’s a chance to show off the talent of this young side, who are also making a serious bid for the Cape District League title.
Montague Spurs coach Munzir Dalvie.
Image: Mark Ward
Their coach, Munzir Dalvie, knows the scale of the task awaiting them in the next round. Hanover Park, affectionately dubbed the “Brasse of the Park,” is not only seasoned campaigners but also a side brimming with quality and experience. Yet Dalvie remains optimistic.
“There’s no denying Hanover Park is a top team with great players,” he said after the game. “But if we stick to our exciting brand of football, I believe we can match them. It’s going to be a real test, and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”