Mondale High School’s under 19 football coach Valhatiem Raynard has reminded his players it is high time to pay homage to the “Father of football” at their school in Nigel Crowie (retired) and bring back the glory days.
The former Kay Motsepe Western Cape champion (2013) is currently preparing for its fourth Western Province (WP) final when they cross swords with the dangerous-looking Bergvliet High School.
This spectacle takes place at the Elsbury Park Sportsground in Matroosfontein on Friday (September 8th).
Mondale’s highest achievement at the nationals of the Kay Motsepe Championship was a third position back in 2014 – but a lot has changed since then.
It is fair to say that Mondale is currently in a rebuilding phase. Despite this they have still managed to secure their spot in the final – and here credit should go to Raynard who is definitely implementing what his master Crowie has taught him.
Needless to say, Raynard is also blessed with some exquisite talent in national players such as the South African national under 17 goalkeeper, Genaro Johnson, as well as the national under-20 player Siviwe Nkhali.
Added to this duo are two current Bayhill Cup champions in the form of Grassy Park United’s two Matthew’s – Jansen and Du Plessis.
“We now have a group of very special players that are hungry to succeed, not just for themselves, but also the whole of Mitchells Plain,” Raynard highlighted. “To them, it is about leaving behind a legacy for future generations.”
And as extra motivation, Raynard has given his players more purpose to once again live up to the standards and expectations set by his former mentor.
“Whether you like it or not, football at our school is synonymous with Mr. Crowie – not just because he was my mentor, but he paved the way for football at the school,” said Raynard.
“Mr. Crowie is one of the pioneers that laid the foundation for the sport to flourish. The success he achieved with the soccer teams is testimony thereof. Therefore, it is only right that our new generation of players are reminded of this and to try and emulate the successes of the past.
“In fact, winning the WP leg of this competition will be the ideal way to honour him. So, I have given my players the pep-talk and lowdown and I expect them to keep that in mind and use it as a catalyst when they take the field, ” Raynard added.
The former Sea Point Swifts player hinted that he is of course under no illusions of the difficult task he faces as Bergvliet, coached by the former Cape Town Spurs pro player Theo Hempe, will be a tough ask.
Hempe, aided by a former Bafana Bafana defender in Roger Links, as well as the former Santos player Moegamat Carelse, will be just as determined to achieve success and cement their positions and create a legacy of their own.
The impact of these coaches is already quite evident after Bergvliet’s success in the Rhodes High tournament earlier in July and it itis pretty obvious that the poses a huge threat for Mondale.
This match-up could go down as one of the best finals in the history of the WP-leg of this prestigious competition – and rest assured, sparks will fly.
