Maties FC coach Desmond Crowie is not known for singling out his players – good or bad!
But Crowie, a former pro himself for Santos and Cape Town Spurs, knows all too well deep down that he has found a real gem in Shahied ‘Hiedie’ Abrahams who joined the club during the pre-season from Hout Bay United FC.
Abrahams, an attacking midfielder with an eye for goals, has hit the ground running with his new club from the Cape Winelands – three goals in two games is a clear indication of the value that Abrahams adds to the Maties. Not to mention his vision and sublime passing ability.
The 31-year experienced midfielder pointed out that he has settled in quicker than expected which allows him to focus on his football.
”You have everything at your disposal here and the club has a great infrastructure,” Abrahams told No Bones with Jones. ”I really enjoy the calm and respectful environment which keeps me focussed and allows me to do my best.
”I also have to give credit to coach Dessie as he is a fantastic person to work with. He is humble and respects the players. His knowledge and insight of the game is phenomenal. He has also played at the highest level and cannot be fooled.
You can’t come with your monkey tricks as he has seen and done it all. What a lovely and humble coach,” Abrahams added.
Abrahams, a humble individual by nature himself, says this makes the travel from Athlone to Stellenbosch a real “breeze.”
“Look, I am used to travelling from my area to Hout Bay in the past and it is more or less the same distance for me,” Hiedie further added. “When you have teammates that share the same vision that the coach has, then the money-factor goes out the window. It’s the (long term) vision that one should work towards.”
Hiedie just missed out on the Maties’ Nedbank Cup regional title last year as he arrived two weeks after their Cup victory over FN Rangers.
But the well-travelled Hiedie is no stranger to success as he won this cup (regional) competition on two occasions – first with The Magic and then again with Zizwe United, coupled with a league title as well with the Nyanga-based outfit
Abrahams was also the joint top-scorer in the Second Division for two years running where he shared it with Siyabonga Madikane and Therlo Moosa. At his former Hout Bay FC club, he won the Golden Boot three years in a row – quite impressive for a player who attacks from the midfield.
With Abrahams’ presence, along with other quality and experienced players such as Mpho Erasmus, Robin Rhode, Sebastian Lucas, Keagan Poole and captain Vernon Petersen, Crowie’s outfit should be considered as favourites to top their stream (B).
Maties travel to Grassy Park United’s William Herbert home ground on Friday and they won’t forget that they have unfinished business with GP who beat them last season at the very venue.
