From a neutral point of view, the soccer gods could not have scripted the opening round of the ABC Motsepe League (Stream A) any better – for one fixture in particular, Junction Rovers versus Ikapa Sporting!
And rest assured, there will definitely be no love lost when Junction’s former captain, the inspirational and talismanic Adeeb Triegaardt, returns to his former beloved Heideveld-based club.
Needless to say, Pro, as Triegaardt is affectionately known, led Junction to promotion to the Second Division in July.
The hard tackling no-nonsense defender, who has an eye for goals, led from the proverbial front during last season’s Third Division campaign helping them to achieve the unthinkable.
Subsequently, Triegaardt left the club – under a dark cloud – but for personal reasons and better (financial) prospects.
This did not go well with a section of the management and supporters of “Yellow and Green” and Triegaardt was subject to criticism on social media.
His decision was to a large degree understandable as Junction was in a slumber with their players being poached and no real sponsor or talk of any financial compensation which in the Second Division are these days prevalent – albeit a stipend
The Bonteheuwel-born Triegaardt, son of Ebrahiem (Taggies) – another maestro in his heyday – said he understood the emotional disarray from the fans but needed to seek greener pastures for personal growth.
And with most things in life, time heals all wounds and the backlash on Adeeb eventually died down.
However, tensions can reignite on Friday (10 November) when Adeeb lines up on the other side of the home team.
With a pre-season of nearly two months long, Adeeb said he is not too perturbed about the reception, but rather more excited that the league will finally kick off.
“I’m ready for any team,” Adeeb told No bones with Jones.
“I’m willing to work hard and to go the extra mile for my new club, just as I did for Junction.
It will be an honour to play against them, but for me personally, it would be sad also. But that’s football, we got to get over it although it’s tough. I cannot guarantee what my reaction would be If I were to score against them,” Adeeb jokingly added.
Meanwhile, Junction coach Chrissando de Weber has reassured the football public that all bases are covered regarding any safety concerns following last week’s shooting in the vicinity of the soccer field.
The violence forced the game between Goal50 United and Silver Spurs to be called off after 40 minutes as players had to lie down on the astroturf with the sound of bullets close to the action.
“SAPS has confirmed that they will be in attendance to ensure that Friday football will go ahead,” De Weber told our website.
“What was the point of winning promotion if we the football public can’t enjoy our football without fear. Therefore, I urged fans to come and support us. We are ready to put up a good showing,” De Weber concluded.
