What did Diadioa FC do to be treated like a stepchild in Hanover Park?
This million-dollar question is what Diadora’s chairman, Shaheed Abrahams, grapples with, as it will be a fifth season that his club will be robbed of playing in front of their home fans in Hanover Park.
No Bones with Jones can confirm that Abrahams has now secured the multi-million rand upgraded The Greens Sports Complex in Manenberg as their new home venue for their debut season in the second division – at least Diadora’s fans will find some comfort in the fact that the area of Manenberg is at least nearer for their fans to travel.
Last season Diadora were forced to play their home games in Nyanga and Gugulethu as the facilities at the Downberg Sports Complex in Hanover Park were off limits to them because it was already occupied by Hanover Park FC, as well as its sister club, Premier United – not forgetting the Hanover Park cricket club that also makes use of the facility.
Despite this, Diadora still managed to be successful and put their rival to shame when they secured the Hollywoodbets Third Division title in their debut season, as well as winning promotion at the subsequent ABC Motsepe League playoffs.
One cannot understand why Diadora has to live a nomadic existence and why they cannot play in their hometown, where the club was founded.
The joyous scenes captured on Youth Day a couple of months ago, from Hanover Park’s football fraternity, indicated a united movement – perhaps it was just a publicity stunt.
On that day, Hanover Park FC and Diadora played each other in a Festival Match to celebrate the success of both teams – and for once, Hanover Park was united.
The Councillor in the area, Alderman Antonio van der Rheede, played a pivotal role in uniting the teams and bringing together supporters from all sides of Hanover Park.
This is the ideal situation for Van der Rheede to once again step in – and show that he is a Councillor for ALL of Hanover Park.
PHOTO SUPPLIED BY BELGOTEX SPORT
