Matroosfontein head coach Patrick Weels emphasized there is no bitterness or jealousy because his team has been playing second fiddle to its Northern Suburbs rival Trinitarians in the Third Division for the past few seasons.
It’s largely because Matroos, who won Safa Cape Town’s Third Division league title in 2021, have been a mere shadow of themselves in recent years, hence they have considerably dropped down the pecking order in the so-called ‘Graveyard League.’
Weels and his troops had to watch their neighbours from Uitsig, Trinitarians, lift the Nedbank Cup regional title last season, as well as finishing the league as runners-up to Vasco da Gama.
According to Weels, one of the most passionate and experienced coaches around, the bigger picture is also to ensure that the Northens Suburbs LFA-flag flies high at all times.
“Look, success will happen when it is our time, when everyone has the same vision, mission and goals,” Weels explained to No Bones with Jones. “We are currently busy with a three-year plan and I don’t want to divulge our complete plans and whatever, but we have something in the pipeline for sure.
“We are on a mission to get the club in a better space when it comes to the football side of things. Your club has taken a bit of a dip, but that happens because of changes – people moving on, players moving on. We were forced to bring in new blood and with new blood always comes new challenges. So, we don’t really focus on our competitors, but rather ourselves, so that we can perfect who we are,” Weels added.
Matroos currently sit in the 14th position out of 18 teams with 22 points from 22 matches, which is an average of a point a match and these stats are not usually associated with a team coached by the experienced former Ajax Cape Town youth coach.
However, Matroos have already achieved their first objective, which was for the u.19’s to secure qualification for the Bayhill Premier Cup.
“Now our focus turns to the senior team to ensure they retain their status in the legue. So, the objective would be to save our status. We do not for one minute think it is going to be an easy ride. We know this league and we know that when it comes to the business end, what is required.
“You must have your feet firmly on the ground, you know. You must be strong and be able to fight for what you want. It’s going to be hard work and it’s going to be a challenge for us. But we have belief and heart,” Weels concluded.
