It was indeed a feather in the cap of Hanover Park FC head coach, Anwar Gallant, after he outfoxed his Hout Bay United FC counterpart, the highly qualified Uefa A-Licensed and esteemed coach in Michael Loftman during their 2-1 victory at the Downberg Road Sport Complex over the weekend.
This just goes to show that qualifications and badges sometimes count for nothing – especially in this league – when you have a group of players that is willing to run through a brick wall for a coach – and that is exactly what Gallant has in this current crop of players.
And instead blowing his own horn or stroking his ego, Gallant, a down to earth and humble individual, credited Hanover Park FC’s 12th man, the fans, whom he feels had a major impact and helped them to get over the line as deep into stoppage time.
“To score the winner with virtually the last kick of the match does wonders for team morale,” Gallant explained to No Bones with Jones. “Our home crowd were fantastic and deserve all the praise. They played a massive role in pushing the boys right to the end, and we’re truly grateful for their incredible support,” Gallant added.
Goals via Shaun Anele Hendricks and a late penalty from Imtyaaz Ruiters, secured a somewhat surprise result against a well-drilled outfit whom many regard as the ‘Manchester City’ of the league due to their deep pockets. Needless to say, it is without a doubt a statement-win for the homeside.
More importantly, it ensured that Hanover Park is now up and running in stream A of the ABC Motsepe League after going down 0-2 in their opening match against Junction Rovers at the Downberg Road facility last week.
Gallant further explains: “They have a fantastic squad with exciting young talent. They’re tactically well-organised, technically sharp, and extremely fit, so for us to walk away with all three points was outstanding,” he added.
The 43-year-old former Rygersdal FC tactician expects that his troops build on this performance in their quest to go one further this season after they were controversially beaten by Zizwe United in the provincial playoff final last season.
“This result can definitely be the catalyst for turning things around,” Gallant pointed out. “But the boys know we can’t get carried away, every match in this stream is effectively a cup final, and we have to approach it with that mentality,” Gallant concluded.
Hanover Park FC travel to the Wynberg Military base this coming weekend when they face the newbie Inter City FC who are still in search of their first point of the season after two defeats.
