Diadora FC has been boosted with the news that their experienced midfielder Shaheed Abrahams will be available for the Coke Cup Final clash against the giant killers, Goulburn Athletic.
There was initial uncertainty over Abrahams’ availability for Diadora’s second consecutive Cup Final (17:00) in the Athlone Stadium on Saturday, as he is also on the books of the ABC Motsepe outfit Hout Bay United Football Academy.
The latter is currently in camp in Atlantis preparing for their Nedbank Cup Round of 16 clash against newcomers, Junction Rovers on Sunday.
Abrahams’ presence at the kit handover on Tuesday at the Athlone Stadium was also an indication that he will feature in the final, but not confirmed as yet.
Diadora’s coach Shakes Mangaliso did however confirm to No Bones with Jones that his talisman will be available for selection admitting he is now a relieved man.
“Firstly, I want to say thank you to the Hout Bay club for giving Shaheed permission to play in the final,” said Mangaliso. “I must admit that I was stressed.
“As a coach you want to have all your players at your disposal in big games and finals. We are well aware that they will target him, but Hiedie knows how to handle the pressure on the big stage,” the coach added.
This news should give the Athlone LFA champ more creativity in the engine room, while it does not bode well for Goulburn.
The Bonteheuwel-based outfit, dubbed as the giant slayers, will probably give the impression that they are not too bothered, but the reality is that they should be as Abrahams is a master at his craft pulling the strings in the midfield with his vision and intelligent passes.
Hiedie, as Abrahams is better known, will certainly increase Diadora’s chances of becoming only the second club in history to win back-to-back trophies in this competition after Jamestown United.
Meanwhile, Goulburn goalie and captain, Shakeen Johnson, responded by saying they will have to be compact and disciplined in the midfield not allowing Abrahams too much space on the ball.
“Look, we have players with equal capabilities to nullify Abrahams and to cause an upset. But they are a quality side and there are other experienced and good players as well, therefore, we have to be fully prepared.
“Without mentioning or giving too much away, we have something up our sleeve for them but it will be a challenging and interesting match,” Johnson added.
