One can’t say that one didn’t see it coming!
After all, it’s become a norm that certain players follow certain coaches or managers so, the fact former Crystal Palace players like Shalon McGear, Cole Schoeman, Lindikhaya Maqengu, Zukisani Dyani, Nkosiyabo Ndyalivane and Breyton Cleophas has again reunited with coach Dylan Dean at Sea Point Swifts in Bonteheuwel, is actually no surprise.
It remains to be seen where players like Riyaaz Koopstadt, Dimitri Federicks, Robin Baadjies, Juanito Manuel and Luciano Johnson will put pen to paper. It’s comforting to know that the experienced goalie Kyle Peters (pictured) has also followed Dean to Swifts who is currently training at the Italian Club Sport Complex in Milnerton.
Bear in mind most of these players were without contracts after Palace bought the ABC Motsepe status of Antalyaspor JPM Cape Town’s Second Division status two seasons ago which forced them to seek greener pastures elsewhere and saw them end up in Manenberg with Palace.
Subsequently, Palace sold its Second Division status to Bayhill United which again forced these players to seek for a new employer – and along came Swifts!
Now, Swifts’ new-look hierarchy consisting of chairman Keagan Buchanan, Dean along with his assistant Clayton Daniels will in due time officially be unveiled as the club’s new technical team after a local businessman announced that he’ll invest in the Metropolitan LFA-based side.
This news was obviously music to the ears of the locals and former players as it stands to offer a long awaited and much-needed channel for the area’s talented players who have been starved of the opportunity to compete against the best in the province.
Needless to say, Swifts’ new brain trust definitely has the ability and pulling power to attract quality and experienced footballers from all over the country.
And as with any new venture, there’ll be teething problems, but the main challenge will be the composition of the side that will again compete in the Second Division after nearly 30 years.
Will local talent in the area be given preference or will it just become another outfit which has no ties to the area and doesn’t resonate with the soccer public in Bontas? Will local coaches also be given the opportunity to develop their skills on a higher level? Will former legends that are willing to assist be drafted in?
In here lies the challenges.
After all, one would think that the whole idea behind this project is to uplift and reawaken the mighty Swifts who have sadly declined over time. And in doing so, it would definitely boost the broad Metropolitan LFA. So, strategic thinking is required, but blending the new with the old should be a good platform to launch from.
Another grim reality staring them in the face, literally, is the ‘White House’ clubhouse that is derelict and needs to be demolished. So, this brings other basic challenges such as a decent facility, infrastructure and resources, which are essential to function properly – and unfortunately this is non-existent. This is due to a disconnect between the sporting public and the local Councilor in the area, Angus Mckenzie from the Democratic Alliance.
One doesn’t have to look very far to see the impact in a community when there is respect and understanding amongst the leaders and role players elected in certain positions. Doing good and the right thing requires no politicking!
Our website probed McKenzie on these latest developments but to no avail as he did not respond to our query.
