Dangerous Heroes coach Bayanda Sikiti has made no bones about the fact that the success of their season rests on capturing the prestigious Coke Cup.
Heroes will face the dangerous-looking and talented Magic Ladies in the final (15:00) at the Athlone Stadium on Saturday.
Heroes recently lost out on successfully defending their Sasol League title when they were pipped by coach Ahmed Parker’s UCT Ladies in the playoff final.
Needless to say, this was a bitter pill to swallow, especially since Heroes were in command, leading 1-0 at the Kopano Sports Field but eventually losing out by 1-2.
Sikiti, who is also the Head of Competitions at Safa Cape Town, has emphasized that they are seeking redemption to salvage their season.
“You are right! Our season will be determined by what happens in the Coke final against Magic on Saturday,” Sikiti told No Bones with Jones.
“Our junior side lost in the Last 16 of the Denis Goldberg, and last season they lost in the final. So, for us as a club, our season purely rests on the Coke Final,” he added.
Furthermore, the team from Gugs is also desperate to shrug off the proverbial ‘bridesmaids-tag’ as they have never competed in a Cup Final of Safa Cape Town.
Last year they were knocked out in the quarter-final by Heideveld Ladies Female Football Academy, the year before it was Shoshaloza FC who beat them in the semi’s.
Sikiti admitted reaching the final for the first time is a great motivation for them to go all the way. According to the Heroes’ mentor, their prospects also depend on their hunger and desire on the day against a Magic Ladies outfit that is looking menacing themselves.
“They (Magic) might be new in the Sasol League, but they are producing great magic,” Sikiti added.
”They gave UCT a good run for their money in the Sasol League (Stream B) and they did well against Cape Town Roses in the Coke semi-final. So, we can’t take any club for granted, especially them, therefore, we just have to prepare better for the finals.
“Things have not gone the way we wanted them to. But, the girls are looking forward to playing at the Athlone Stadium in front of a massive crowd. It will be a nervy moment for the girls, but we are looking forward to it,” Sikiti concluded.
