Some might call it arrogance, while others will refer to it as confidence personified…
Whichever way, Grassy Park United is oozing with optimism and belief that the 2025/’26 season will see them break the decade-long curse and lift their maiden ABC Motsepe League Second Division title.
The team from the South Peninsula LFA, under the guidance of the well-respected and experienced coach Mangaliso Ntombana (pictured), has come close on a couple of occasions but has fallen short at the final hurdle.
However, Shakes, as Ntombana is called, is very confident they will go all the way this time round and nothing will stand in their way.
“That is the plan to win our stream and the provincial playoff final this season,” Ntombaba said with bravado to No Bones with Jones. “But as we all know, it will not be easy. We will have to be at our very best from game one, you know. That said, I have a strong feeling that Grassy Park will be victorious at the end of the season,” he added.
Unlike previous seasons where Ntombana placed big emphasis on experienced campaigners, he has opted for a more balanced squad loaded with youngsters. for the new campaign.
“Apart from Reid (Bombay) and former Mamelodi Sundowns product, Afikile Nogqala, the majority of the squad are youngsters recruited from clubs like Cape Town Spurs, Sundowns and other teams, but they do have experience of playing in this league,” Ntombaba further explained.
“They are used to playing under pressure and possess the mental strength required for this league. It’s important to have a clear vision and strong leadership and foster a culture of high standards and accountability.
“So, in that situation, to make my job easy, we are all on the same page and that gives me the confidence that we can break our curse,” this season,” Ntombana concluded.
Grassy Park opens their campaign with an away match against Young Bafana in the Nedbank Cup on Saturday in Strand.
