Having swept aside all before them by winning the Coke Cup, Bayhill Premier Cup and Engen Knockout Challenge within a short space of time, coach Gareth Ncaca’s serial-winning Antalyaspor JPM Cape Town outfit now faces a new challenge: staying on top.
With success comes expectation, and Antalyaspor enter every tournament carrying the weight of being the team to beat. It is a pressure that Ncaca has grown accustomed to managing as his side continues to set the benchmark in youth football.
The quest for silverware continues on Saturday when they lock horns with Rising Stars FC in the Under-18 Coke Cup final at Athlone Stadium. Antalyaspor lifted the trophy for the first time in their history two years ago before surrendering the crown to Cape Town Spurs last season, and they would like nothing more than to reclaim the title.
Despite Antalyaspor’s formidable reputation and relentless hunger for success, Ncaca remained guarded when asked about his plans for the highly anticipated showdown.
“We’re happy to be in the final. We’re grateful and humble,“ Ncaca told No Bones with Jones.
The Antalyaspor mentor was unwilling to reveal too much ahead of the decider, choosing instead to focus on his side’s preparation as they look to add yet another trophy to an already glittering collection.
A victory on Saturday would not only see Antalyaspor reclaim the Coke Cup title but would also further cement their status as one of the dominant forces in Cape Town youth football.
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