Few would have predicted Hanover Park FC’s flying start to the ABC Motsepe League season, but chairman Rieduwaan Anthony has admitted even he has been pleasantly surprised by the impact of the club’s new-look technical team.
Affectionately known as Die Brasse Vannie Park, Hanover Park currently occupy second place in Stream A after eight matches, sitting just two points behind the only other unbeaten side in the division, FN Rangers.
The impressive start has vindicated Anthony’s decision to appoint Bradley Barnes as head coach, alongside former PSL goalkeeper Tashrique Goldman, who serves as both assistant coach and goalkeeping coach.
The appointment initially raised a few eyebrows, particularly following the departure of former coach Anwar Gallant, but Anthony revealed that Barnes’ influence on the club began long before his official promotion.
“Yes, I am pleasantly surprised if I can be brutally honest,” Anthony told No Bones with Jones. “What many people don’t know is that Coach Brad was already involved behind the scenes during last season under Coach Anwar. His role was to analyse our performances and provide reports on both our team and the opposition.”
Anthony explained that Barnes also played an important role during the club’s LFA campaign, assisting veteran coach Ralph (Hendricks) in retaining the CTTLFA Knockout Trophy while contributing to league and Coke Cup preparations.
“We kept him hungry for the ABC Motsepe League and, as they say, the proof is in the pudding,” Anthony added.
While results on the field have been encouraging, the club continues to battle difficult realities away from it. Based at Downberg Road Sports Complex, Hanover Park FC operates in a community often affected by gang violence and crime, challenges that regularly threaten to disrupt its football activities.
“Just yesterday, shots were ringing out next to our training ground,” Anthony revealed. “It’s a reminder of the dangerous environment the club operates in. Yet we’ve got players travelling from places like Table View, Simon’s Town and Westlake to represent Hanover Park. That says a lot about the commitment of the players and what this club means to them.”
Recognising that commitment, Anthony has also invested in the senior squad’s appearance and professionalism, ensuring the team is equipped with new training gear as a reward for their dedication to the project.
With Barnes, Goldman and their technical team steering the ship, Hanover Park have emerged as genuine contenders in Stream A. Whether they can maintain their unbeaten run remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Brasse are no longer just making up the numbers.
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