Stephanian Ottery FC’s newly appointed first team coach, Sidwynn Stevens (pictured), was always going to end up at the club – one way or the other.
Not entirely by his own design though, but rather the wishes and expectations of his mentor and club chairman, Bradley Searle.
“Eish, there was no escaping this one,” Stevens jokingly said to No Bones with Jones. “He was my teacher years back and he always used to say: “I’ll have you one day,” and today at the age of 34, I’m home at a family-orientated club. I love the support I have received in this short space of time from everyone – from the executive and Lance Janari…. a top human being who also played a key role in getting me to join as well.
“I must also say that I’m honoured to be appointed at such a prestigious club in Cape Town with a rich history. The trust and faith the executive has shown thus far is so humbling. So, I’m excited. I’m happy about this because it is one of the big clubs in the local football fraternity,” Stevens added.
Stevens has been tasked to lead the club’s senior side to the promised land and that is to win promotion to CTTLFA’s Premier League Division with the big boys – but this will be easier said than done. Needless to say, Stevens is under no illusion of the tasks that await him – and judging by his shopping thus far, he is leaving no stone unturned.
In fact, the former Origin Spurs coach, who helped stabilise his boyhood club is now full of bravado in his new quest – and understandably so.
Stevens also tapped into his network and contacts to rope in former teammates and pro players like Liam Scnell, Mustaq George, Nathan Skinner, Shanlyn Walter, Imraan Crotz and Angelo Wembe, amongst others, to assist him to reach their goals for this coming season, compete with rivals such as the newly promoted champions, Holy Cross and Green Point Salesians.
“Look, we all played together. I just ventured into coaching very early and the club needed some fresh seasoned pros. I also need to squash the rumours that Stephs have fallen on hard times. I say they have not fallen on hard times, but shifted to a bigger union and have found their feet.
“So, part of my mission is to help the club get to where they belong with the help of the technical team and the executive – and the amazing supporters of the club, as well as the players.”
Some felt Stevens got a bit of a raw deal a couple of seasons ago at Ashford Athletic after a good run in the Coke Cup, where they lost to Hanover Park in the semifinal, as well as his promotion to Safa Cape Town’s Third Division after more than five decades at the Cape District Football Association.
He was probed on his sudden departure and he replied: “It’s part of football, you know, you win some and you lose some, but I don’t want to dwell too much on the past… But, yes, we achieved a lot together with the help and grace of God, but I wish them the very best, but for now I’m a Stephs boy – I’m excited and I can’t wait to start. I just wish the festive could end already.
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