The ABC Motsepe League debutant Sea Point Swift FC (Hope FC) has taken to the Second Division like a duck to water – against all expectations.
Few can argue that they have been a breath of fresh air and have most definitely caught the attention of their rivals with the way they run their operation, which is to empower the next generation – on and off the field.
The success of their business component of RLabs is now being transferred to the football aspect, where they are giving a very good account of themselves against seasoned campaigners in the league – especially in their Stream A, which is dubbed as the ‘Group of Death’ with former Champions like FN Rangers, Hanover Park FC and Young Bafana to name a few.
There’s an adage in football that goes… the log does not lie – and indeed it doesn’t. Albeit early days, Swifts, who acquired the status of Oriented Birds from Knysna – are sitting pretty comfortably on top of the log and are locked on 20 points with the pacesetters Hout Bay United FC, who has a superior goal difference.
However, this could change as Swifts have played a game less than their rivals and should they win this outstanding fixture, they will deservedly lead the pack by more or less the halfway mark.
The club’s vice-captain, Shalon McGear, has credited the experience and know-how in their technical team in coach Dylan Deane, and his assistant Clayton “Hare” Daniels, as well as goalkeeper coach Mark Kapman, for their “seamless” transformation in a short space of time.
“Look, our coaches have basically been around the game their whole lives and the experience they possess is second to none,” McGear pointed out to No Bones with Jones. “Take Hare for instance, he leads by example and still to be playing competitive football with the career he had, says how committed he is. This is what he exudes and it rubs off on the players. They just compliment one another so well,” he added.
McGear is of the opinion that their business in the transfer market of late – where marquee players like Ayanada Patosi, Craig Martin and Ruzaigh Gamieldien, to name a few, were brought onboard – indicates their ambition for the future. One thing is very clear; Swifts, or Hope FC are here to stay and could in the next couple of years become the next big thing.
“Look, it’s no secret that we want to win the league, like every other team in the streams, so we’ll just take it one game at a time and see where we can improve weekly,” McGear stated to No Bones with Jones. “Hope FC is a great team and I play with some great footballers. All of us want to achieve greatness as a team, in my opinion everyone contributes towards each other’s success,” he added.
Swifts will have its first taste of facing an historical club in Santos FC (19:00) at the NY 49 Stadium in Gugulethu on Friday (2 February) night looking to extend their unbeaten run to nine matches which is pretty impressive. To think Swifts’ only setback was last year November when Hout Bay beat them by 3-1 and how things have changed!
“I wish the boys good luck ahead of the Santos clash, may this be another chance towards achieving our goal,” McGear concluded.
