While Safa Cape Town and the organisers of the Engen Knockout Challenge are still deliberating as to when and where the final should be played following its cancellation due to inclement weather over the weekend, perhaps the Athlone Stadium could play host to this spectacle in the future?
For the mere fact that this event will continuously encounter challenges as its played in winter which has a knock-on effect on the playing conditions with waterlogged playing fields.
After all, the Bayhill Premier Cup finals get played at the Home of Cape Town football and perhaps it’s time for the Engen tournament to follow suit with its national spectacle.
Meanwhile, Ubuntu Academy’s u18 head coach, Mario Booysen, says he’s fully aware of the quality and threat posed by his former Antalyaspor JPM Cape Town side ahead of the final.
“They are very good opponents and grew immensely over the last couple of years and one must give them the respect they deserve,” Booysen explained to No Bones with Jones “They are also the current Bayhill champion. So, it’s clear that they are not in the final by mistake but rather due to their hard work over the past few seasons,” he added.
According to Booysen there will definitely be no love lost against one of their fiercest rivals they know all too well.
“Bear in mind, this is also a Two Oceans-derby ” Booysen pointed out. “I mean, we played each other just last week and the game ended in a 0-0 draw. So, there is nothing that we don’t know about them and Vica versa and also very little that separates us.”
Booysen, who ironically got his coaching break with Antalyaspor JPM a couple of seasons ago, has already guided Ubuntu to a maiden Bayhill Premier Cup title in his first season at the club – and now he’s gunning for more silverware.
The 36-year-old Booysen, born and bred in Bonteheuwel, is a street-smart character and his ability to get the best out of his players has already earned him the necessary respect.
But he’ll be up against a wily old fox in Gareth Ncaca who is driven by success as well, Ncaca has also already written his name in the club’s history books after winning the Bayhill in April along with multiple other youth tournaments like the Mitchells Plain Youth Cup and the Super Cup amongst others.
PHOTO: SOCCERBEAT
