Some may argue that former SAFA Cape Town top scorer Ameen “The Lion” Awaldien is no longer the prolific marksman he once was.
Yet what the 29-year-old attacker may currently lack in goals, he more than makes up for with his intelligence, work rate and ability to create opportunities for those around him.
That was evident last season when Awaldien netted a modest 13 goals but played a pivotal role in helping strike partners Taahir Jumat (21) and Shiraaj Davids (22) flourish in front of goal.
In Awaldien’s defence, a recurring knee injury has hampered the veteran striker in recent seasons. However, true to his lion-hearted reputation, Awaldien has continued to battle through the pain barrier for his beloved Heideveld outfit.
Friday’s clash against Rygersdal FC therefore cannot come soon enough as it will be interesting to see how coach Curtley Daniels’ troops will deal with this attacking trio of Pirates.
The unbeaten Pirates who occupy the fourth position, travel to Royal Road brimming with confidence after opening their campaign with two impressive results against Trinitarians (1-0) and Ashford Athletic (3-2).
Standing in their way, however, is a the third placed Rygersdal side that has also enjoyed an undefeated start and looks every bit as dangerous as last season.
Rygers have signalled their intention early on in the season already with an impressive 1-0 away win against JL Zwane and followed it up with a 3-0 drubbing of Cape Town Spurs over the weekend.
Adding further intrigue to the contest is the presence of former Pirates starlet Alfonso Roman.
Many expected Roman to be lining up for FRoger Fortune’s Pirates this season after he was involved in their preseason, but the talented midfielder instead returned to Rygersdal, where he was instrumental during the club’s debut campaign that culminated in an impressive top four finish.
With both sides boasting unbeaten records, attacking quality and familiar faces on either side of the divide, all signs point to a mouthwatering encounter in Maitland.
