Very few can argue about Dougie Williams’ credentials as the new head coach at Third Division newbies Camps Bay FC. His track record speaks for itself.
The former Santos pro player has just last season shown his class and capabilities when he “mastered the art” of the Second Division as assistant to Ashraf Calvert, when – against all odds – they won the league with Young Bafana.
Williams’ cool, calm and collected persona puts him in good stead in this position.
But alas, it must be noted that the Second Division is a league where there is much more structure, organisation, discipline, as well as ‘professionalism’, where some clubs pay their “marquee” players a stipend – despite it being an amateur league.
And then we get to the Third Division – often referred to as the ‘Graveyard League’ because of its cut-throat and brutal nature.
Needless to say, dubious officiating at times compounds the misery of clubs.
Silver Spurs, a former Coke Cup champion, is testimony thereof with its long spell in this league that spans more than three decades.
Spurs’ chairman, Enver Zeeman, and the rest of the Executive, like the Tajoodien brothers, Victor and Abdul, can vouch for this as their desperate quest for promotion continues.
Not only is the Fourth Tier of South African Football a very challenging league, but it is also very unpredictable.
Coupled with back-and-forth travelling, respective clubs will also have the added burden of playing at least 10 double headers for the season – sometimes two competitive games per weekend.
This could become more strenuous due to load shedding that places even more pressure on clubs.
For the sake of the debutants, one can only hope that Williams is fully aware of the challenges and totally grasps the reality of what awaits him in this league – despite his impressive CV.
Then it comes down to the most important component, Williams’ personnel on the pitch. And judging from what No Bones with Jones have heard about his squad, there are no big-name signings as yet. There is also a lack of experience which could haunt Williams and his team.
Our website also understands that Williams will get assistance and support from Rygersdal FC to strengthen their squad.
For the sake of Williams and his debutants, one can only keep fingers crossed that they comprehend from the outset the gravity and challenges of what lies ahead.
Camps Bay kick off their season next month with a Nedbank Cup Round of 16 tie at home against Saxon Rovers.
