‘Assie’ completes ‘Three Musketeers’ at Camps Bay FC

Camps Bay FC technical director Anees Abbas says his “prayers have been answered” because the “Three Musketeers” are back together again! 

Abbas is full of smiles after the Safa Cape Town Third Division newbie snapped up the highly rated and very successful Ashraf “Assie” Calvert to assist the club’s head coach, Douglas “Dougie” Williams.

The irony of this appointment is that Dougie was Assie’s assistant last season at the ABC Motsepe Second Division outfit Young Bafana from Strand. The duo then masterminded Young Bafana to a maiden league title in their first season in charge – against all odds. With the roles now reversed, nothing less can be expected from this formidable partnership, along with the club’s technical director, Abbas.

Calvert’s move to Camps Bay now means that he rekindles his relationship with two former colleagues, Williams and Abbas, and it is safe to say that the ‘Three Musketeers’ are back together and ready to stamp their authority on Camps Bay FC in Safa Cape Town’s demanding Third Division.

Abbas and Williams had also previously formed a good partnership and understanding when they were at the helm of African Soccer Development (ASD) between 2012 and 2015. Calvert was still a player while the former were in a coaching capacity already.

So, too have Dougie and Assie paired up during their stint together at Wynberg St. Johns a few seasons ago prior Covid.

In essence, this move certainly bodes well for the debutants and the expectations for success have automatically soared. Abbas’ vision for the club, to develop and to create opportunity for the talent in the Atlantic Seaboard might just have shifted into a more ambitious one of a possible challenge for honours – but this remains to be seen.

Abbas has no doubt that they will now be in a better position to ruffle a few feathers this season with Assie on board. According to Abbas the soccer Gods are smiling with him even before a ball has been kicked in anger.

”Honestly speaking, I could not have asked for better,” Abbas acknowledged. ”I mean, Ashraf Calvert comes with a pedigree and a successful track record that we all are too well aware of. Besides that, he is just overall a great coach and individual as he inspires others around him and uplifts them for their own benefit. So unselfish and positive you know.

”He is always thinking about the game and looking at ways and means to evolve and to grow and keep up with the trends of the modern (coaching) game. The other aspect you must bear in mind is that he also has immense drawing power and players follow him as they want to play for him.

”So, him and Dougie together with myself, it is a very good combination, I think. I would go as far as to say that we are definitely going to have an impact on the league this season. Look, don’t get me wrong, I’m not speaking about winning titles or anything of that sort, but for us it is about a good start and laying a good foundation and seeing where we are come December/January. And if we are in a good space or position for that matter, who knows?

”But as I explained in our initial conversation at Athlone Stadium, this project is first about opportunities for young players and creating that platform for the talent this side as it was non-existent, you know. I know there is a perception that Camps Bay has money but that could not be further from the truth. If you look at our club, I think we are one of the most diverse in the league that caters to a wider spectrum.

”So, again I will emphasize, it is to create something for our young talent so that they can compete against the broader Cape Town – hence we have roped in the best local coaches in the business to help us achieve our goals. I won’t lie and say that I am not excited and pumped about our prospects, because I surely am as my prayers have been answered, what more can I ask for? ” Abbas concluded.