Years of near-misses, disappointment and falling short at the final hurdle for various reasons have shaped Sporting FC’s journey.
Now, after a series of bold managerial decisions and a long-term vision, the Bonteheuwel-based outfit stands on the brink of making history.
Just two victories separate Sporting from securing promotion to the Safa Cape Town Third Division, a feat that would see them become only the second club from the Metropolitan LFA to compete in the Regional Men’s League in the last decade or so.
For chairman Shaamil Scala, club’s chairman, this moment is the culmination of years of planning and perseverance.
“We’ve been trying over the years to achieve this feat, but fell just short on every occasion,” Scala told No Bones with Jones. “Over the last three years, we relooked a lot of things and made managerial changes with the hope of reaching our goal of playing in the Regional Men’s League.”
Needless to say, those changes at administration level seem to have paid dividends.
“The plan was always to build a team capable of winning the league within two years, and we’ve achieved that,” Scala pointed out. “This season the team has shown commitment, dedication and fighting spirit whenever it was required.”
Sporting, coached by the well-known Shamier Johnson, have quietly emerged as one of the “dark horses” of the playoffs. While many may not be familiar with Sporting’s story, those within the club firmly believe they have what it takes to go all the way.
“As a club, we believe we have a real shot at qualification,” said Scala. “The players are mentally prepared and there is a strong belief within both the technical team and the squad that we can achieve our goal of playing in the RML. We considered ourselves as the dark horse in the competition.”
The significance of promotion extends far beyond football. The last Metropolitan LFA club to compete in the so-called “Graveyard League” was Bluegum United, before their relegation back to LFA football in 2022. Sporting now has the opportunity to put Bonteheuwel back on the regional football map.
For Scala, who also coaches the club’s Under-14 side, success would be a victory not just for the club, but the entire community.
“Bonteheuwel is rich with talented footballers playing across various clubs and leagues. We want to give hope to the younger generation and show them that clubs from Bonteheuwel can compete and succeed at a higher level,” Scala concluded.
Sporting face Only the Brave from the Rygate LFA in the late fixture (15:00) at the Greens Sport Field in Manenberg on Sunday
PHOTO SUPPLIED
