Dessie’s Maties have the spine to challenge for top honours

Maties FC coach Desmond Crowie would be forgiven if he became a tad bit cocky regarding their prospects for this season’s ABC Motsepe League campaign.

After all, Crowie recently won the Nedbank Cup Second Division title against all odds by beating the mighty FN Rangers, one of the league contenders, in the final to lift their maiden trophy.

Now “Dessie” as he is affectionately known, has his sights firmly set on winning their stream (B) and possible promotion to the National First Division – for the simple reason that he found “the missing link” following the capture of Hout Bay United Football Community’s Shaheed ‘Hiedie’ Abrahams, along Sebastian Lucas and Mpho Erasmus on a season-long deal.

Then Crowie also roped in the veteran striker Robin ‘Robbie’ Rhode to strengthen his attack, as well as the former Stellenbosch FC goalie Keegan Pool (pictured) to complete the “missing piece to the puzzle.”

“These five players are what the squad has been lacking because that is the spine that is now complete,” Crowie explained to No Bones with Jones.

“We have Keegan in the (goal) posts, Shabba at center back, I got the central midfielder in ‘Hiedie’ and Mpho and Robbie up front. And the really nice part about the five is that they are not only good players, but they are also fantastic human beings – and that for me is more of a plus than anything else, honestly,” he added.

The Maties’ mentor is also fully aware that his newbies will definitely add value with all their experience and expects it will rub off on the younger players in the squad.

“One aspect that is very pleasing here at our club, is no financial gain and this was not an issue for them,” Crowie further stated. “This tells me they are willing to play for the badge and that to me is very satisfying.”

Deep down Crowie knows all too well that gone are the days where they were just making up numbers, as they could now be considered as serious contenders challenging for more honours.