On paper, and judging by their respective positions on the log, it should be a stroll in the park for Ashford Athletic when they welcome the relegation-destined Good Hope FC to the Bridge at 15:00 on Saturday.
However, Ashford’s young coach, Curtley Daniels (pictured right), refuses to see it in that light, as he respects any opponent in Safa Cape Town’s Third Division.
Daniels has also reminded his Ashford-troops that it’s not just about pitching up against the wooden spooners and resting on their laurels, but to be focussed and respectful towards their struggling opponents.
“Look, there are no games that are easy in this league, especially at this stage of the season,” Daniels made it clear to No Bones with Jones. “So, we will be professional and work hard this week to try and get the job done Saturday,” he added.
Few can argue that this newbie to the league is not only a breath of fresh air but is also adding value to the Graveyard league and their performances are testament thereof.
Anyone who might have thought that Ashford is still running on luck, must be enlightened that their journey started way before the Third Division campaign officially kicked off in May last year.
Daniels further explained: “When we got the job as a technical team, we watched a lot of the LFA games to see the players and understand what we would be working with and what we need to add to make sure the squad is competitive.
“We felt we had a talented bunch, yes, some are inexperienced and haven’t played in this league before, but we were sure, by combining the squad with the right mix, the hunger and the talent of the players into our coaching plans, could help us build a decent squad for the season ahead.
“We obviously know the league is very tough. But we believe that the players and the club were on the right path to at least be a competitive side in the league,” he stated.
Daniels along with righthand man, Roscoe Hendricks (pictured left), and the rest of the technical team has also commanded the respect of their rivals for the way they have gone about their business.
Daniels has actually credited the club’s hierarchy for their strategic thinking to ensure that the necessary structures were in place for a smoother transition from LFA football to a more competitive and cutthroat league.
“The club has been incredible in this regard, you know,” Daniels further added. “We, as a technical team, can’t take credit for anything. The players have been incredible, they have been working hard to get us to be a competitive side and to where we are currently.
“The club and the supporters have backed the team, home and away, like proper and they too deserve credit. This made us even more committed to contribute positively and push till the very end.
With quite a few games left, we will take it one game at a time, but for sure, we want to reward the club and supporters by doing our best and giving our all in the final stretch,” Daniels concluded.
PHOTO SUPPLIED BY AL_SPORTS_PHOTO
Log courtesy of the 4th Moment
