The talismanic striker Dylan Alberts’ (pictured) loyalty and allegiance towards Ashford Athletic is unquestionable.
The former Seaside Spurs, Ikapa Sporting and Hanover Park FC attacker, had some offers on the table to play higher up, but declined.
‘Blok’ as Alberts is commonly referred in the football circles, also crossed ‘enemy’ lines at one stage when he had a brief stint with neighbours and archrivals Greenwood Athletic a couple of seasons ago, but back to the Bridge, home of Ashford, was his calling.
So, it is undeniable that this goal poacher is too attracted, passionate and committed to the ‘Blue and White’ of Ashford who are now ruffling feathers in its debut season in Safa Cape Town’s Third Division League.
Needless to say, the 29-year-old Alberts, along other experienced players like Reagan Marco, Ashwin Walker, Ryan Adams, Granville Isaacs to name a few, has also played a pivotal role in Ashford’s upsurge in amateur football at the Cape District Football Association.
“I decided to stick with Ashford as it has been a long process where we all started out with the club in the blue league,” Alberts explained to No Bones with Jones. “And we’ve worked hard the previous couple of seasons to get Ashford where they are now in the third division.
“Look, I obviously opted to stay with the team because yeah, I obviously walked the journey with the team and I wanted to continue doing and giving back to the club and trying to be an example for our youngsters a t the club, you know,” he added.
Needless to say, Alberts has done just that as he is certainly giving young talent at the club, especially the strikers, something to aspire to as Blok is as potent in front of goal as they come.
In fact with 14 goals in 17 matches, Blok is probably the closest challenger to the league’s top scorer in Rushan Abrahams (18 goals) from YMO – so, the Golden Boot prize in this league, is certainly not a foregone conclusion.
Where Alberts and his Ashford-troops lack experience in this league, they makeup in heart and spirit.
Coach Curtley Daniels too deserves credit as he has moulded and drilled his players to not be intimidated or bullied by the so-called seasons campaigners in a short space of time.
Their position on the log, seventh is also testament of Ashford’s fantastic showing in the first season in the proverbial “Graveyard” league – played 17 games, won eight, drawn five and lost only four matches ensuring that they under the top eight teams by the halfway mark – not too shabby at all!
Ashford along with his experienced captain Ryan Adams will lead their charge on Saturday (28 February ) for their away match against YMO at the Downberg Road Sport Complex.
This will also see the battle of the league’s most prolific strikers in action at opposite ends but Alberts said he is only focused on his club.
“I run my own race and everything I do is for the benefit of the club first – whatever happens thereafter is a bonus,” Alberts concluded.
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
