Tableview FC have already exceeded expectations in this year’s prestigious Coke Cup with some heroic efforts, according to head coach Sifiso Fortune.
Their last notable run ended in the 2019 quarter-finals when they suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to a formidable Juventus outfit.
And it’s with this in mind that there is “no pressure” on his side as they prepare for a historic semi-final appearance.
Fortune’s comments come ahead of Tableview’s last-four Coke Cup clash against Saxon Rovers at the Stephen Regan Sports Complex in Mitchells Plain on Sunday.
The winner will secure a place in the final at Athlone Stadium on 17 October, where either Hanover Park FC or Island Rovers await.
Interestingly, Fortune’s side remains unbeaten against Saxon Rovers in their two meetings this season, which could make them slight favourites heading into the encounter.
However, as cup football has repeatedly shown, favourites count for very little once the whistle blows.
“To think we were joking about it a couple of months ago and here we are, one game away from a final,” Fortune told No Bones with Jones. “This is fairytale stuff and I am so proud of the players. To think some were playing summer league and we had to juggle the squad around. I think the players also play with no fear, you know and they express themselves,” he further added.
Affectionately known as the “Professor”, Fortune holds UEFA, CAF and scouting qualifications and has been a central figure in the club’s rise since taking over from Matt Haywood in 2014.
“Back then it was called the Super League and it was tough,” Fortune recalled. “You had teams like ASD, Old Mutual and Ajax. It was really competitive.”
Fortune has also credited much of Tableview’s growth and success to the arrival of businessman Adrian Conradie in 2015.
“Adrian came in and changed the face of the club. He is the owner of 600CT and adopted our Under-17 team in the Super League. In 2015 we won the KO Cup and it was historic because nobody really knew who Tableview FC was. Adrian has remained supportive to this day and that’s where the journey of success started.”
Fortune highlighted how the club has become a platform for young players to progress into professional and collegiate football.
“We’ve had players move into the PSL, DDC, NFD and even university football in the United States. Those are achievements we are incredibly proud of.”
Following the senior team’s relegation, Fortune was promoted to lead the first team with the clear objective of restoring their Premier Division status.
“My objective was always to get the team back into Prem 1 as quickly as possible,” he said.
That goal was achieved in 2019 when Tableview secured promotion while also winning both the league and knockout cup, completing a memorable double.
Since returning to the top-flight of the CTTLFA, Tableview have established themselves as one of the competition’s most consistent sides.
“We’ve always been knocking on the door, finishing third, fourth, then third again. There has been positive growth over time,” Fortune added.
The coach also pointed to a long list of players who have progressed through the club’s ranks, including Luyolo Slatsha, Mark Anderson, Odwa Nyulu, Lutho Mkaba, Dilerenzo Lombard, Charles Eziobi and Zandre Booysen.
“We have had more than 15 players move on to DDC structures and university football in the USA,” Fortune reminded.
The chairman, Paul Nathan, and his executive committee understood the mission. These are the things we should celebrate because they are changing the lives of these young players,” Fortune concluded.
