Vasco da Gama head coach Andrew Pequeno (pictured) believes despite the fact they have faced tougher opposition, the newcomer to the ABC Motsepe League, Diadora FC, deserves the necessary respect and recognition.
Pequeno’s comments come ahead of their Nedbank Cup semi-final encounter against Diadora at The Greens in Manenberg on Friday (20:00).
Zain Abrahams’ Diadora has looked good value for money and showed one of the league’s seasoned campaigners in FN Rangers what they are made of after knocking them out of this cup competition last Friday on their home ground, packed with their vocal supporters.
According to Pequeno, he expects Diadora to give them a run for their money on their home soil.
“No, for sure, it’s going to be a tough game in front of a very nice crowd,” the Vasco-mentor stated to No Bones with Jones. “Diadora is in the position we were in last year, coming in as the newly promoted team with nothing to lose.
“Being at home, they are the favourites, but we will come out and give it our best shot. Look, I still feel Hout Bay, Zizwe and obviously TS Galaxy were our toughest challenges in this competition,” he added.
Now, Vasco, who were crowned Safa Western Cape’s Nedbank Cup stream winners last season, progressed to the Last 32, where they were walloped 7-0 by the PSL side TS Galaxy.
“That is definitely an experience we would like to replicate again (to reach the Round of 32),” Pequeno further stated. “It will be an entertaining game against Diadora and I encourage everyone to come out and support both teams on Friday,” he concluded.
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