Rygersdal FC head coach Curtley Daniels may still be finding his feet in Safa Cape Town’s Third Division, but one lesson has already been firmly learnt: underestimate nobody.
As Rygersdal prepares to host league newcomers Everton FC of Heideveld on Friday night, Daniels has warned that reputation and prestige count for little in a division where surprises lurk around every corner.
The 28-year-old coach, now in his second season navigating the unpredictable landscape often referred to as the ‘Graveyard league’, has plenty of respect for an Everton side that has made an encouraging start to life in the division.
“The league is a proper helter-skelter, anybody-can-beat-anybody league,” Daniels told No Bones with Jones. “Huge respect to coach Gwappie and Everton. They started very well and will continue doing well in this league for sure.”
Rygersdal could hardly have asked for a better start to their campaign after grinding out a hard-fought 1-0 victory away to JL Zwane in Gugulethu last weekend, a venue where many teams have come unstuck over the years. Despite securing all three points, Daniels insists there will be no room for complacency.
“JL Zwane gave us a proper battle in the first league game. Credit to the players for sticking to the plan and working hard to achieve the result,” he said. “However, we’re not getting carried away. There’s still a lot of work ahead of us.”
With their home ground currently undergoing upgrades, Rygersdal will now host Everton at Royal Road Sports Ground in Maitland, courtesy of Norway Parks. Daniels expects to have their ducks in row for what promises to be another stern examination.
“We will prepare ourselves as best we can for Friday night. We’ve been working hard this week, so let’s see what Friday brings,” he said.
Daniels, also a Bayhill Premier Cup winner with Grassy Park United’s u18’s a couple of seasons ago, also paid tribute to the club’s loyal support base and management for ensuring the team remains settled despite having to play away from its traditional home.
“Our supporters have been amazing in both the Nedbank Cup and the first league game. The club has been greatly supported, and we thank our supporters and the club executive for that. We also thank Norway Parks for allowing us to bring our home games there until our home field is completed.”
With confidence high after an opening-day victory and Everton eager to continue their promising start, Friday night’s encounter could provide an early indication of which side is capable of emerging as a genuine contender in the Third Division this season.
