main logo

‘Hiedie’ has last laugh, determined to lead Diadora all the way to the promise land

As Diadora FC’s Chairman Shaheed Abrahams cast his eyes over an unexpected, yet impressive, champion performance in the club’s debut season in Safa Cape Town’s Hollywoodbets Third Division campaign, he is rather overwhelmed with emotions of pride, joy and vindication – why?

It’s because this progressive club from Hanover Park, born in the shadows of the mighty Hanover Park FC, has rewritten the history books yet again against all odds and expectations when they conquered the Third Division at their very first attempt -silencing the critics and haters for once and all.

This feat was arguably never done before since the inception of Safa CT which makes it that more memorable and adds yet another feather in Abrahams’ cap – not forgetting their back-to-back Coke Cup titles as well as their promotion success at their Athlone LFA a couple of seasons ago – all this in their five years of existence.

It’s also safe to say that the club’s big boss Abrahams has admirably taken the red, blue and white to newer heights and made them a household name in the local football circles. 

What many don’t know is that ‘Hiedie’ as Abrahams is known, was chastised and ridiculed from all parts when he withdrew the club from the lucrative Coke Cup this season which meant they could not set their sights on a treble.

And looking back he’s vindicated himself as his method in his madness was there for all to see with Abrahams certainly having the last laugh. 

In all fairness, it’s also well-deserved as Diadora, who was playing their home games in Gugulethu away from their hometown, has led the log for the longer part of the season. Hats off to the runner-up Trinitarians FC, and other challengers like Wanderers FC and Greenwood Athletic who also played their part in keeping Diadora honest during the campaign.

“At least we got over the first hurdle and now for the last hurdle,” Abrahams told No Bones with Jones. “Firstly, what many didn’t realise was that we needed to strengthen our squad and I needed to scout for players as we were preparing for our first season in the third division, you know. They don’t call it the graveyard league for nothing.

“On top of that I needed to replace two of the most important people at my club – my coach and an assistant. So, there were lots of things to take care of and get into place. So, it was no disrespect to the Coke Cup. I think it would have only been an unnecessary distraction for us – besides we’ve won it multiple times already.

“That said, I’m very proud that the boys showed character and mental toughness to pull through in the end. Looking back, I think we did very well apart from a bit of complacency that crept in at the business end of the season.”

Abrahams further explained: “I must also give credit to Trinitarians for pushing us all the way but we also opened the door for them to a certain extent. Some will say they lost the league as it was in their hands, but we were the most consistent team throughout. If I can be honest some of the younger ones became despondent especially when Trinnies were in the driving seat with a game in hand 

“But all in all, the collective showed me how hungry and motivated they were, and they kept on pushing until the very last and it worked out for us in the end. Credit to the players and technical team for digging deep as well as their loyalty and trust,” Abrahams concluded.

Our website understands that the ABC Motsepe Second Division playoffs will be held in Beaufort next month.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *