Hazendal United FC is gearing up for a fifth consecutive Hollywoodbets Third Division qualifying campaign of Safa Cape Town – hoping to finally make it count.
Needless to say, the team from Bokmakierie in Athlone had their fair share of challenges and controversy, such as a lack of training facilities, as well as drama with one of their coaches, Russel Davids, who parted ways with the club at the business end of the season.
Despite this, Hazendal got over the line thanks to the fortitude of their current head coach, Thaabit Isaacs, who’ll be leading the champions of Rygate into battle at the playoffs.
Isaacs, who will be assisted by Riyaaz Arendse and team manager Armien Solarie will attempt what his predecessors like Kashief Lewis and Davids could not muster – promotion to the Third Division.
Isaacs, who assembled a strong squad this season with the likes of Jarred van der Berg, along with seasoned campaigners like Ameen Awaldien, is confident they can go all the way:
“Firstly, I want to thank West End for allowing us to use their field,” Isaacs explained to No Bones with Jones. “I have to admit that it helped a lot, you know. You are also aware that we went through a few coaches so we had to stay focussed and we managed to do just that. The players all deserved a lot of credit but there is still a big job ahead.
“Secondly, we know it won’t be easy as we’ve been there before, but I think we are in a better position now. I think that we have one of our strongest squads ever, so we are going to give it our all,” Isaacs concluded.
