History shows that two former PSL stars, Dominic Isaacs and Shane Poggenpoel, weaved their magic when they guided Tafelzucht FC to a second consecutive league title at the Mitchells Plain LFA . This was the duo’s debut season at the club.
‘Zucht Power’, as the side from Tafelsig in Mitchells Plain is referred to, edged out Beacon Spurs in a nailbiter to be crowned champions of Mitchells Plain for the second consecutive season and progress to the Safa Cape Town Third Division playoffs.
On the surface, one would naturally praise these two young coaches, Isaacs (43) and Poggenpoel (41), for a job well done, as their experience and knowledge about football is anything but limited. Isaacs, for example, has led Hout Bay United’s u.18’s to Coke Cup success, as well as saving the now defunct Cape Umoya United from relegation a couple of seasons ago.
Despite this, the duo actually refused to take all the credit for this title-winning season at the club. Isaacs has especially pointed out that what history does not show is the “unselfishness, commitment and dedication from my technical team.”
“It would be very wrong of me to stand here and take all the credit when, in fact, it is our technical team that deserves all the credit,” Isaacs told No Bones with Jones. “They are individuals who ensure everything is taken care of, and that allows us as coaches to focus on the things that matter football-wise, you know.
“So, I must put it on record that they are the ones who make us look good. So, I want to thank (from left to right) Chad Rushin (medical), Ashley Kamfer, Dwayne Heuwel (both scouts and logistics), Neil Abrahams (manager), and also the vice chairman Nigel Hawyn, who has gone the extra mile – but at the same time they know the job is only half don. Last but not least I want to thank the chairman Kenny Hendricks for his support as well,” Isaacs added.
Isaacs, who’ll be embarking on his first Third Division playoff campaign, is fully aware that he is treading in uncharted territory and knows of the daunting task that lies ahead. Isaacs reckons it’s a challenge he embraces with open arms.
“You’d be foolish to think we are going into these playoffs blindly… Of course, we are doing our homework,” Isaacs further stated.
Tafelzucht’s feat is nothing short of a miracle, given the fact that they do not have a permanent training facility. Matters worsened in recent weeks after they were kicked out of a hall they used in the absence of a proper training field.
“We have reached out to political parties for assistance, but every door gets closed in our face,” Isaacs explained. “We have about 400 members we cater for, but it’s tough without financial assistance. We are trying our best to keep the kids off the street with football,” Isaacs concluded.
