Vasco da Gama FC head coach Elton Swartz is on the brink of rewriting the club’s history books with back-to-back Coke Cup titles beckoning.
Swartz can also etch his name into greatness and join an exclusive ‘club’ of coaches such as Mangaliso ‘Shakes’ Ntombana, who achieved this feat with his former Diadora FC side a couple of seasons ago.
This follows after the Parow-based side beat fellow Cape Town Tygerberg LFA rivals Norway Parks by 5-4 on penalties after the game ended in a 2-2 stalemate at the Stephan Reagan Sport Complex last weekend.
With the help of his co-coach, Robert Pretorius, Leeroy Rodriguez (analysis), Brandon Dickson (club captain) and Barry Petersen (goalkeeper coach) they have navigated their way to yet another Coke Cup showpiece against all odds.
Despite what is up for grabs on a personal note, Swartz cited that his focus is purely and solely on his troops as they are the ones going into battle.
“The Vasco technical team puts players before anything else, so I was not aware of this until we made the final again that we are actually chasing history,” Swartz said to No Bones with Jones. “If I had to choose what dressing room to be in, I would choose mine 10 out of 10.
“Also you must keep in mind we lost quite a few players last season, but those who came in really did a fantastic job and they are the ones who brought us to Athlone again. This time around it will mean so much more for our club and supporters to win it, so that’s our drive, not personal accolades,” he added.
These two archrivals, who both are members of Cape Town Tygerberg LFA, will do everything in their power to achieve bragging rights when they cross swords on 18 October at the Athlone Stadium.
The 36-year-old Swartz has warned they are facing a well-known foe who is regarded as one of the most successful sides in the history of this lucrative cup competition, whether as Premier United or Hanover Park itself.
“They deserve the necessary respect for what they have achieved over the years.” Swartz further explained.: “Besides, every game against HP is difficult because of the quality they have. I mean, they have at least 80% of their players who won the stream in the ABC league. That will tell you already how strong they are,” Swartz concluded.
