Spare a thought for Vasco da Gama’s head coach Andrew Pequeno (pictured) as he sits with a conundrum not knowing which opponent to prepare for.
Will it be an ABC Motsepe League clash against Ubuntu or will it be the Nedbank Cup Provincial final against Safa Cape Town’s Hollywoodbets Third Division Nedbank champion, Greenwood Athletic?
This showpiece is scheduled for the Solo Street venue but no date has been confirmed yet – which is putting Pequeno in a rather precarious position. Any coach will concede this is not an ideal situation.
Our website understands that Pequeno was informed by the provincial secretary Nadia Konstabel to set aside the upcoming two weekends for this clash as she cannot confirm a date herself which throws the Vasco-mentor into limbo.
Bear in mind that Vasco, who has been promoted to the second division this season, will also have to catch-up with their league fixtures due to their Nedbank Cup commitments, which is due to add to the fixture congestion.
Meanwhile, Pequeno, who is always casual and unfazed about high stake matches, emphasized that Greenwood will be a tough nut to crack.
According to Pequeno this is all down to their “streetwise” coach Lionel Miller, also known as ‘Pony.’
“Ooh, I have a lot of respect for him,” Pequeno told No Bones with Jones. “He is very streetwise and busy rebuilding the club. Pony definitely pulled a rabbit out of the hat with the talent he recruited as they lost some players as well.
“(Mark) Neftd’s return makes a difference with his calming effect, he also has the experience coupled with some good Unders. It is going to be tough for us. We need to give them respect.
“Pony is very streetwise, and I would go as far as saying that they are going for promotion – this could be their year for redemption,” Pequeno concluded.
