In the past, the Nedbank Cup was seen as a bit of a distraction for most coaches and clubs, especially in Safa Cape Town’s Second and Third Divisions.
But due to the ABC Motsepe League’s shortened two-stream version, clubs are now “forced” to give the Nedbank Cup more credence.
This is exactly why FN Rangers’ coach Arreshaat Daniels is placing high importance on this David vs Goliath cup competition.
“We will use this competition as best we can to play as many competitive games as possible,” Daniels stated.
“Because if you lose and you are knocked out, you will need to find friendly games to keep your players occupied and on their toes, but it’s just not the same, you know.
“So, unlike in the past where one did not really place a big emphasis on the cup competition, this time round it won’t be the case and it’s fair to say we’ll give it a go as well,” the Rangers coach added.
The Maitland-based outfit have been relatively low-key in their pre-season business dealings for obvious reasons.
Saatjie, as Daniels is known, has now shown his hand with his new additions for Saturday’s Nedbank Cup Round of 16 against Santos at the Royal Road.
Rangers’ attack will be led by their new goal poacher Darron Omaticus, signed from Jamestown as well as Stellenbosch FC’s Glen Hahn.
Then there is also the ever willing Alessandro De Souza who had a decent Varsity Cup campaign that is another option up front.
In the backline, the new acquisition from Wynberg St. Johns Chad Robertson along the usual suspects like Shane van der Westhuizen and Zamian Plaatjies will provide cover for another newcomer to the squad, the experienced goalie Kyle Peters
Other additions include the likes of Liam April, Tristan Brandt, Dondre Gordon and Bohlokoa Pule who is expected to add value in the engine room and will definitely feature in Daniels’ plans.
“We have specifically scouted these players to fit and feature in our system,” Daniels further explained.
“The idea is to have at least one back up player in each position, you know. So, hopefully there should be healthy competition to get into the starting 11 and it’s up to players to raise their hands,” Daniels concluded.
