There seems to be an aura of confidence, not arrogance, amongst the Ikapa Sporting FC faithful – and perhaps understandably so.
A new home venue at Ikamva, where they will be a tenant at their ABC Motsepe League rivals, Cape Town Spurs’ home for the new season.
No Bones with Jones understands that Ikapa will for this season at least make use of the astroturf playing surface while Spurs will maintain their grass field for their home games.
This in itself is an interesting but pleasant development. To see rivals can co-exist and allow football to be the winner is really fantastic and the true spirit of the game.
Also, from Ikapa’s perspective, it allows their fans a safer and perhaps shorter commute to watch their home games going forward. For far too long, 13 seasons to be exact, have Ikapa operated like nomads being sent from pillar to post and had to live off scraps… But they soldiered on.
Furthermore, Ikapa’s head coach Zane Ryklief, also had the advantage of a full and uninterrupted preseason – unlike his previous campaign where they had to play catch-up following the takeover over Zizwe United’s Second Division status.
Another surprising but welcoming occurrence at the club, is the addition of former Goal50 United head coach, Daryn Crowie. Crowie, who cut his teeth at the Heideveld-based side, also comes with a fitness and conditioning expertise
Given the above, it’s probably fair to say that there should be no excuses for Ikapa’s Caf A-licensed coach Ryklief to weave his magic and take Ikapa to the promiseland.
Ryklief and his troops open their campaign with a home tie against Hanover Park FC at Ikamva, Parow on Saturday (15:00) afternoon.
Die Brasse Vannie Park, as Hanover Park is called, are also in a rebuilding phase especially regarding their technical team with Bradley Barnes and former Santos and Chippa United goalie, Tashrique Goldman who will double as Barnes’ assistant and the goalkeeper coach.
This duo is also trying to find their feet and perhaps this is what a wily old fox like Ryklief is targeting.
However, Ryklief was rather cagey when probed on the opening league match of the new season.
“Yes, we are happy with our new space and ready for new beginnings,” Ryklief told No Bones with Jones. “HP first up will be a major test for us but we are ready and excited,” Ryklief concluded.
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