Junction Rovers shows that a brighter future awaits in the ABC Motsepe League.
Needless to say there are probably not enough superlatives to describe the feat of the Motsepe League debutants after retaining its status for next season – and that with a handful of games to go!
They have indeed proven many of their haters and ‘blikslaners” wrong and living up to their motto: “Ons gee nie krag weg nie” (We don’t give away power)
Hence it is only apt and justified to give credit where credit is due. Coach Chrissando de Weber, the technical team, the management, the players and of course the fans – take a bow!
Junction has really come into its own this season after winning the Third Division title and promotion last season – outperforming the defending champion Young Bafana as well as an established academy and season campaigner such as Ubuntu FC.
Let’s not forget Junction’s partnership with Ana Barrote Rightford’s (owner) Nova Nacional which was a masterstroke and is considered as a catalyst for the football operation to function optimally.
This season they have indeed proven that they are not in the league just to make up the numbers… cutting star studded teams like Hanover Park and Santos FC down to size in the process.
And if your blood is green and yellow, then the log could not look anymore prettier as the Heideveld-based outfit sits comfortably in fifth position with 21 points after 14 games – only five points adrift of second-placed Ikapa United who is a seasoned campaigner and one of the longest serving clubs in the league, as their chairman Shaun “Pietie Soprano” Petersen has reminded his rivals.
De Webber, the humble and shy figure that he is, refuses to take credit for their heroic display in unchartered territory this season.
Instead of walking around with an inflated ego and big head, the former pro player said their achievements are testament of their hard work and sacrifice.
De Webber highlighted some of the key factors that contributed to their solid display in their first season in the Second Division.
“You must not forget that we were losing players left, right and centre in the preseason and things didn’t look rosy at all,” De Webber told No Bones with Jones. “But we did not panic and stuck to our guns, you know. We matured quickly in a short space of time.
“I must also give credit to our technical staff and their fans who all remained calm and patient. Even after a slow start they still believed in us and trusted the process.
Our hierarchy who hustled behind the scenes to ensure that we don’t have to worry about anything but football – they all chipped in and it paid off and this is their reward. We are a collective and take credit collectively because without them this would not be possible,” he added.
Junction have two tricky (away) fixtures against Ubuntu (Saturday) followed by Hanover Park a week later. Should they not manage to bag any points in these two matches, there should be no real cause for concern as De Weber’s troops have done the business already… but knowing this passionate coach he wants to finish on a positive note and as high as possible.
