Diadora FC head coach Shakes Mangaliso would be forgiven if he already has one eye set on a second consecutive final of the prestigious Coke Cup.
The defending Coke Cup champion have thus far marched on to the semi-final with relative ease (apart from Celtics) – highlighting their superiority and dominance in this David vs Goliath cup competition.
The Hanover Park-based outfit will therefore walk out as firm favourites against a spirited underdog in Hazendal United who does not need an invitation to bite whoever comes in their path.
This mouthwatering clash will take place (15:00) at the Stephan Regan Sportfield in Mitchells Plain.
Ironically, Diadora will face Hazendal on the same (B) pitch they beat Bishop Lavis last season to progress to their first final ever.
The superstitious type will see this as a good omen and hope for history to repeat it itself. Should Diadora overcome Hazendal, and Goulburn Athletic come short against Hanover Park in the other semi, then it’s perfectly set up for a Hanover Park-derby final that can definitely be classified as the battle of the two giants where no love will be lost.
From a neutral point of view, this could go down in the history books as the mother of all (Coke) finals and the Diadora-mentor says he’s already licking his lips.
“Yes, of course, I am not going to lie, I am in it to win and have my eyes on the prize,” Mangaliso conceded. “And I want to play the best opposition possible to create a final like never before. People might say I am arrogant and cocky, but why are we here? “Why do we coach and why do we make sacrifices? For second place? I don’t think so,” Mangaliso added.
But the duo from Hanover Park will have to get the job done in their respective semi’s and this will be easier said than done.
Especially after Goulburn from Bonteheuwel have shown thus far that the bigger (names) they are, the harder they fall which suggests that the Brasse Vannie Park should be at their very best if they want to progress to the finals as well.
Similarly, Diadora will also have to make sure that coach Kashief Lewis’ Hazendal does not cause an upset. Needless to say, the Coke Cup has so far lived up to expectations and more, hence it means such a lot to teams, coaches and players participating in this competition.
One cannot believe that it is almost exactly a year ago since Diadora lifted their maidan trophy in the club’s short existence – and one would also be foolish not to think about the fact that they could create another historic achievement.
With rain predicated for Sunday’s encounters, it could also set the cat amongst the pigeons.
