Many may be surprised by the remarkable achievement of Island Rovers, the newly crowned Super League champions of the Northern Suburbs, but their coach, Gabriel Charles, is certainly not one of them.
“To be honest, it wasn’t really unexpected for me because I knew what the plan was and what type of players I had to compete in this league,” said Charles. “It’s not an easy league to play in, but as I’ve said before, I knew the players I brought on board, I knew what they were capable of, and they delivered.”
Rovers have become only the second team to gain promotion from the LFA Premier League and go on to win the Super League in their debut season. They have also completed the double after winning the Grand Challenge, further underlining an outstanding campaign.
Next up are two cup competitions, Rovers face Vasco da Gama in the quarterfinals of the Coke Cup on Sunday followed by their KO final against rivals UWC at the Erica Park Sport Complex next on 3 October.
According to Charles, who has been coaching the side for the past three years, the team’s focus has now shifted to achieving even greater success in two remaining cup competitions, the Coke Cup and the KO Cup.
“Yes, we have two trophies in the bag and there’s more loading,” Charles said.
“If we win our KO final, then we’re also pushing for the Coke Cup. The Coke Cup is up next and there is a possibility of winning four trophies.”
However, the coach has stressed the importance of remaining grounded despite the team’s success.
“As I said, we take it step by step. We stay positive, but the hard work must continue. We stay humble and enjoy the moment and the journey. But I want the players to know that nothing has really been achieved yet. We still need to go and win the playoffs. It’s not done yet, as I’ve told the boys.”
Rovers know all too well that they face a stern against a former champion in Vasco Sunday.
Meanwhile, despite recently being found guilty of fielding an ineligible player and being docked three points, Island Rovers’ league title was never under threat.
Having already secured the Super League title, they remained comfortably ahead while their Northern Suburbs rivals failed to capitalise on the opportunity and ultimately succumbed to the pressure.
