If one talks about ‘trust the process’ then the work of Diadora FC’s young and ambitious chairman Shaheed “Hiedie” Abrahams in a short space of time, leaves one unequivocal in knowing that greater things lie ahead.
To think the plethora of success that Hanover Park-based club, established in 2020, has achieved cannot really be put into words. Just recently, they were crowned as Safa Cape Town’s Hollywoodbets Third Division champion in their debut season of the 2024/’25 campaign. This coupled with the fact that they have also taken just two seasons to get promoted to the fourth tier of SA football.
Needless to say, they have put to shame many of the well-established clubs that have been struggling for years to not only win promotion to the Third Division, but also the ABC Motsepe Second Division where they will be competing next.
Not to mention Diadora’s back-to-back Coke Cup titles which just sums up their thirst and desire for success. And without putting a curse on them, one would be rather foolish not to back them this season as a candidate for a stream winner.
According to Diadora assistant coach Sardick Barends, taking part in this competition is already a milestone achievement for the club and the community it represents.
“The 2025/26 season will be approached with humility and respect for the league. The goal is stability in this debut year — no unrealistic expectations, just steady growth and valuable experience at this new level,” Barends added.
Staying true to the values of Diadora, the club has retained the entire promotion-winning squad, rewarding the players who made history and ensuring continuity. To strengthen the group, 5–6 smart additions have been made, adding extra quality and depth while keeping the spirit and identity of the team intact.
Alongside this, Diadora FC introduces one of the youngest technical teams in the league in Siyabonga Madikane, prolific former striker, who now steps into the role of striker coach after hanging up his boots.
Then there is also Thabang who was appointed fitness and conditioning coach and will sharpen the squad physically. Coach Sherwin Souls joins the bench to strengthen the coaching structure.
Together with Head Coach Zain Abrahams and Barends, this youthful dugout reflects the club’s ambition to be modern, united, and forward-thinking.
