Clover FC’s second successive appearance at the Bayhill Premier Cup is indeed no fluke.
In fact, this township team from Philippi has shown that success is contagious as it filters throughout the club – from its junior to its senior structures.
Earlier this year their senior team won promotion to the Hollywoodbets Third Division when they overcame the strenuous playoffs at the William Herbert Sports Complex at their third attempt as league champions.
Not to mention their various junior divisions, from under-12 to under-18, who have all conquered the leagues at their Mandalay LFA.
The club’s chairman Songezo Ndyoko says the growth and upward curve of his club, with limited resources and budget, is admirable.
“It is here where our coaches, such as the Bayhill coach Sipho Ntshuntsha, deserve a lot of credit for the tireless and unselfish work he has done with the boys,” Ndyoko stated to No Bones with Jones. “I am very happy and it makes me as chairman really proud to be associated with the club, you know.”
Clover FC, who lost out to SuperSport United in the Winner’s Section last year, has been drawn in Group A along with the host, Bayhill United, Virginia Sports Academy as well as Young Bafana Academy.
According to Ndyoko they intend to go further this year. “The boys are training so hard and making such a lot of sacrifices. From what I can see the boys are ready for the Bayhill,” Ndyoko said to our website.
“We have even tested ourselves in the Langa tournament so that we can be ready for the Bayhill. Perhaps we could be a surprise package, who knows,” Ndyoko concluded.
Clover FC, previously known as Dynamos, was formed in 2009 through Ndyoko’s (employment) links to the dairy brand Clover. The name later stuck as everyone called them Clover due to the logo on the kit they received from his company.
Ndyoko emphasized that players at the club are moulded in such a way, that they are constantly showing ‘where there is a will there’s a way’ to win and putting clubs to shame that have been in existence for way longer.
“Look, it is always pleasing to stand out from the rest with being successful but we run our own race,” Ndyoko added. “Our players are committed and buy into our vision and that is key. With this in mind we can only grow bigger and better,” Ndyoko concluded.
