While it was business as usual for the defending Coke Cup Champions Diadora FC in the semi-final, their neighbours Hanover Park were bundled out of the competition.
Diadora beat Hazendal United 4-1 in Westridge on Sunday afternoon, while Goulburn United shocked Hanover Park 2-1 in the other semi.
Goulburn, from the Metropolitan LFA, made history by becoming the first team from Bonteheuwel to qualify for the final of this prestigious cup competition – and that against their more fancied rivals.
Goulburn, who drew first blood just before half-time via a Cole Combrink penalty, rode their luck early in their first half after an indirect freekick taken from Hanover Park FC (directly) found the back of the net, only to be disallowed and retaken, much to the dismay of the Brasse Vannie Park.
As the soccer gods would have it, Goulburn doubled their lead through Safwaad Christians halfway through the second half and the writing was on the wall for coach Sam Anthony’s star-studded outfit.
Hanover Park fought valiantly to close the gap late in the second through a Shukeer Simons goal, but there was just no stopping Goulburn’s fairytale after they achieved yet another impossible feat showing that you dare not write off the team of coach Sardick Barends.
This shock result once again underlined what this competition is all about and why it is loved by clubs big or small.
Meanwhile, coach Shakes Mangaliso’s Diadora FC made light work of their encounter in the other semi-final despite going down by an early and well-taken-headed goal from Jared van der Berg.
However, a hattrick from Jerry Mxabo and one from Umar Mohamed sealed the deal for Diadora. Looking back, Hazendal will concede that their inexperience in this competition led to their undoing as they could not match the same intensity and attacking prowess they showed in the opening stages of the match.
Mangaliso and his troops will now be fully aware that Goulburn, who have humbled some big names, are not to be taken lightly – especially in a final where the team that wants it the most on the day, will walk away with the honours.
On paper it looks like a mismatch and a David vs Goliath affair, but rest assured that Goulburn will definitely give the champ a run for their money on 14 October at the Athlone Stadium.
