Hope FC captain Shalon McGear (pictured) says they are bracing for a backlash on Saturday when they cross swords with Junction Rovers in the opening match of the ABC Motsepe League campaign (15:30) in Heideveld.
This is mainly due to the fact that McGear and his troops humbled Junction by 3-0 a couple of weeks ago during a Nedbank Cup encounter at Erica – hence the experienced centre back anticipates a feisty affair.
“Ya, I’m pretty sure they will come out all guns blazing in their own backyard in front of their home fans and want to prove a point,” McGear explained to No Bones with Jones. “Look, it’s also the first game of the season and all the teams want to start with a positive result, but we have prepared well and are ready for battle,” he added.
McGear’s confidence is further fuelled by the fact that they will be boosted by two seasoned campaigners in the former Bafana Bafana winger Ayanda Patosi as well as the talented midfielder Riyaaz Koopstad.
“They have shown their quality and the value they add during our training sessions, so now it’s a matter of transferring that onto the field. Their experience is also a plus factor for us,” he added.
Hope’s performances under coach Dylan Deane and his assistant Clayton Daniels have been nothing short of impressive and got the tongues wagging early on already – whether it’s envy or jealousy, it’s anyone’s guess.
Be that as it may, the Hope skipper lauded the input of their technical team who he says spends long hours together to strengthen the bond and camaraderie of the squad.
“Honestly speaking, it’s been amazing thus far as everyone is fully onboard. It’s a pleasure to lead this bunch of players and credit must go to our coaching staff,” McGear added. “We gel very well as a unit and it showed in our performances and results thus. But as you know there is always room for improvement and we also have to be consistent,” McGear concluded.
