Very few can argue that Vasco da Gama’s nomination of Club of the Year is well deserved.
In fact, one can even go as far as tipping them to win the club of the year award when Safa Cape Town hosts its annual Gala awards at the Mayoral Banquet Hall in the Civic Centre in Cape Town on Saturday evening.
The deadline for the nominations closed last night and will be released in due time.
And let me say that this is not to devalue other nominees in any way or form, It will be just a reward for Vasco’s successful season on many fronts… the under 18-side qualified for the Engen KO this season, the LFA senior side won their maiden Coke Cup, prior to that coach Andrew Pequeno led his Third Division side to promotion to the Second Division earlier in the year.
But let’s further put their exploits for their nomination into context: Since the middle of March last season Pequeno’s side has only lost one match in all competitions – the Second Division Playoff Final against Mbekweni Cosmos – but by then they have already achieved their promotion objective.
This brings the unbeaten run to almost 20 games in all competitions – including six matches of their new Motsepe League campaign (two league and four cup).
Needless to say, Pequeno’s charges are also still in contention for a Nedbank Cup Regional title as well – so more success is on the cards.
The Parow Park-based outfit now awaits the winner of the mini-playoffs for the Third Division sides that will take place at the Rooikrans Sports Complex this weekend.
Pequeno’s side has also sent out a massive statement during their first two matches of the league campaign after they drew (0-0) against favourites Grassy Park and shocked another league contender in Hout Bay United FC by 2-0 last weekend.
Pequeno refused to take credit and insisted that the hard work was done already when he arrived.
“The structure was laid a couple of years ago already and that is what’s bringing the results,” Peqeuno told No Bones with Jones. “It is certainly not because of me as I just came here last so yeah…
“The guys (at the club) have been doing good things before I arrived. It is just that the fruits of all their hard work over the years are paying off, especially on the LFA side and I’m not involved there, but it is very good to see that and that’s built the foundation for the last few years,” Pequeno concluded.
Another contender is the runner-up in the Coke Cup FC Tafelzucht who have really been punching above in the prestigious cup competition.
Furthermore, the side of coach Oswald Sauls have also won the league and cup double at their Mitchells Plain LFA season.
Perhaps Ashford Athletic will also feel that they have been one of the most consistent teams at the Cape District Football Association winning a total of 15 titles at their LFA. Amongst most notable achievements are a second (LFA) league title as well as winning promotion to the Hollywoodbets Third Division recently.
The same applies to a club like Young Pirates who also won a league and cup double as well as promotion to the third division.
Let’s not forget the success of coach Ahmed Parker’s UCT Ladies who also won the Sasol League WC-title and secured promotion to the HollywoodBets Super League.
I’m just glad that I’m not adjudicating this one as there will still be a lot to say despite which way the coin lands – watch this space!
