There’s been much anticipation and excitement regarding Safa Western Cape’s initial decision to host the ABC Motsepe League playoffs in Cape Town this season – but is it really going to materialize?
No Bones with Jones does not think so, as our website has observed a trend that indicates that the playoffs could perhaps take place in the Cape Winelands or Eden, for that matter, so don’t be surprised if this comes to fruition.
Look, the Cape Winelands region has been used in recent times by the province to conduct its meetings – like the engagement with the Sasol Ladies’ teams, as well as the Santos saga and not forgetting the engagement regarding the Uniform Rules issue – these are all indications that the Cape Winelands is probably going to get the nod – and why not?
Furthermore, and let’s be honest, this region also has the capacity and infrastructure from a playing perspective as it lends itself to an occasion like the playoffs.
In fact, there are actually two options in the region, the Lentelus Sports Complex and of course, the Idas Valley Sports Complex – but it’s the latter which is more appealing and conducive, which is why it will probably play host to this 2025/’26 Second Division playoffs.
It boasts an immaculate playing field and spacious venue that can accommodate the clubs, fans and there’s even safe parking. All in all, it is very family-friendly.
But the number one reason why the playoffs will not happen in the Cape Metropole is because of the bad blood between the province’s chairman, Tankiso Modipa, and his colleague of Safa Cape Town, Bennett Bailey – and this is no secret!
And this could likely be a way for Modipa to show Bailey the middle finger as their tit-for-tat battle means that these two cannot see eye-to-eye – not even for the love of the beautiful game and that is the sad reality. Also, Modipa has ‘taken’ over Bailey’s hotseat as the president Danny Jordaan’s right-hand man.
Needless to say, that No Bones with Jones‘ observation and assessment might be frowned upon – again, however, one is not in the game for trivial matters such as likes and followers as some childish individuals are – but merely to convey the sports news and keeping the legacy alive of fallen icons like Lennie Kleintjies, Dickie Martin, Joe Pillay and Brian Gaffney.
Meanwhile, the last time the playoffs actually took place in the Mother City was when the late Mike Lukhubeni steered his Steenberg United side to promotion (as runner-up) during the 2018/’19 season, when it was held at Erica Park in Belhar, with JDR Stars crowned as the overall champion.
