Vasco da Gama goalkeeper Gershin Kok has highlighted the astuteness and experience of his coach (Andrew Pequeno) as the primary reason for their unrivalled success this season.
Vasco was officially crowned champions of the Hollywoodbets Third Division following their 4-1 win over Goal50 United at Parow Park last weekend.
Kok, who has been around the proverbial block, has worked with a number of top pro and amateur coaches during his time on the scene.
The 31-year-old goalie maintains that the knowledge and insight of his coach – who has won the (Third Division) league title for a third time – has unsurprisingly come through.
Kok explained to No Bones with Jones: “Everyone in the squad was well aware of their respective roles from day one, you know. And to play the amount of games we did, the coach, like any other in this league, is forced to rotate the squad to keep the momentum.
“I think that coach Andrew’s ability to do that without disturbing the rhythm says a lot about his experience and knowledge. His tactics, his know-how and analyzing of opponents and the way he sets us up, is top-notch, you know.,” the Vasco number one added.
The experience of the former under 20 national keeper (eight caps), as well as former Cape Umoya and Royal AM shot-stopper, has similarly played a pivotal role with some stellar performances.
Kok, who has kept 15 clean sheets this season but has downplayed his role, but added that he has found a new lease of life under coach Andrew (Pequeno) following his departure from Cape Town City where he was yet to make his pro-debut.
“It is good to be playing with confidence and to lead by example and that all thanks to the confidence the coach has in all of his players you. But look, for me it was a real team effort and all in all a professional display by an amateur team,” Kok concluded.
No one would have expected Vasco to be this successful since they bought the status of Bellstar United in 2020. Two years ago their now defunct ladies team won the treble under Ashraf Calvert beforen they sold to TS Galaxy. Now the men’s senior outfit is replicating that in fine style as well.
Hats off to De Gouveia for the work done and good luck with his vision of getting the club where it belongs – in the top-flight. Imagine if Vasco were to catch-up with rival neighbours Cape Town Spurs… just saying, with big success in just a couple of seasons, you’d be rather foolish to laugh off Vasco’s ability to attain to become a powerhouse again.
Safa CT will in the coming days announce the details for the regional playoffs which is scheduled for some time in June.
Barry Petersen (Goalkeeper coach), Adnaan Bartie (Assistant coach) and Abdul Ismail (Medic).
