SAFA Cape Town’s Third Division Playoffs proved a bridge too far for Bonteheuwel outfit Sporting United FC after they suffered a cruel penalty shootout defeat to Only the Brave in their quarterfinal clash at The Greens in Manenberg on Saturday.
Neither side could find a breakthrough during regulation time, with the contest ending goalless after 90 minutes. However, it was Only the Brave (OTB) who held their nerve from the penalty spot, edging Sporting 3-2 to book their place in the semi-finals.
Despite the disappointment, Sporting chairman Shaamil Scala remained upbeat and insisted the experience would serve as a valuable learning curve for his players.
“The opportunity was there, but let’s just say it wasn’t our day,” Scala told No Bones with Jones. “For some of the players, it was their first experience of play-off football. We learned a lot from this campaign, and we’ll continue working hard towards qualifying for the play-offs again next season.”
While Sporting’s promotion dream came to an end, Scala believes the lessons learned from the experience will stand the club in good stead as they look to mount another challenge in the future.
Meanwhile Durbanville FC secured their spot in the semifinal after beating Young Idols 2-1 in the last of the quarterfinal matchups and will face OTB while Salt River Blackpool face Wanderers FC.
PHOTO SUPPLIED
