Any victory at the hostile ‘Harry Gwala’ in Heideveld with its partisan crowd is a fantastic result – but to do it in style is what makes FN Rangers’ coach Arreshaat Daniels extremely proud of his players following a statement-win of 4-2 over the home side Junction Rovers.
According to ‘Saatjie’, as Daniels is affectionately known, he was particularly pleased with the “hunger and fighting spirit” his players displayed away from home.
“We created numerous chances and were up for the challenge as we are aware Junction always poses a big threat at their home ground,” Daniels explained to No Bones with Jones. “Also, we didn’t have the best of starts to the season against Seaside Spurs and we needed our boys to bounce back and show a bit more desire and belief -and they did just that, you know.
“The character and willingness they showed were fantastic. Overall, we’re extremely proud of the performance of the boys,” Daniels added.
Needless to say, it was sweet revenge for Rangers after Junction got the better of them by 1-0 on their Royal Road home ground in Maitland last season.
Junction’s skipper, Adeeb Triegaardt, cancelled out an opening goal via Darren Omaticus. Courtney ‘Buster’ Smidt added his name to the score sheet when he restored Rangers’ lead and handed them a 2-1 buffer at half-time.
The second half belonged to Rangers after Imitha Ntimba extended the visitors’ lead with a fantastic goal – a powerful shot from outside the penalty area which gave Junction’s young shot stopper, Ebrahim Bennett, no chance.
Junction’s talismanic leader Triegaardt gave the home side a glimmer of hope, as he doubled his goal tally, but it was mere academic as Omaticus had the final say when he added his second goal of the match and ensured Rangers walked away with well-deserved three points.
Rangers welcome the ‘Manchester City’ of the Motsepe League in Hout Bay United to the Royal Road next up.
Daniels pointed out that they will not rest on their laurels after Hout Bay suffered a 1-2 loss against Hanover Park over the weekend.
“They will be coming with a massive onslaught, so we will have to again be up for the challenge,” Dainels stated. “Every game is like a cup final and there is no room for complacency,” Daniels concluded.
PHOTO SUPPLIED BY CONRAY SWAIL
WEEKEND’S RESULTS:
Hope FC 4, Inter City FC 2
Hanover Park 2, Hout Bay United FC 1
Seaside Spurs 0, Vasco da Gama 3
Ubuntu FC 1, Ikapa Sporting 2
Young Bafana 2, Cape Town Spurs 0
