Hanover Park and Vasco in Coke Cup showdown
Hanover Park's Imtiyaaz Ruiters shakes his marker during his side's 2–0 win against Ashford Athletic, in a Coke Cup semi-final, at Westridge, on Sunday.
Image: Fuad Esack
Mark Ward
Defending champions Vasco da Gama and former title holders Hanover Park United have booked their places in the final of Cape Town’s most prestigious amateur football competition — Safa Cape Town’s Coca-Cola Amateur Cup — after hard-fought semi-final victories at the Stephan Reagan Sportsground in Westridge, Mitchells Plain, on Sunday.
Playing in front of a capacity crowd, the two local giants, whose senior teams will do battle in the Western Cape ABC Motsepi league, which is scheduled to start later this month, showcased sparkling determination in two tense and tactical encounters.
Hanover Park's Maurice Theart dominant in the air during Sunday's Coke Cup semi-final against Ashford Athletic
Image: Mark Ward
Hanover Park, affectionately known as The Brasse van die Park, outclassed a spirited Ashford Athletic side 2–0 after a goalless first half. The match swung in Hanover Park’s favour after Yaseen Hartley pounced during a goalmouth scramble to break the deadlock, following an earlier missed penalty by Maurice Theart.
Ashford, refusing to go quietly, threw everything forward in search of an equaliser. Their efforts nearly paid off when shots from distance forced Hanover Park’s goalkeeper Kyle Peters into action, with his defenders twice clearing off the line to preserve the slender lead.
With just six minutes remaining, Tyreese Diedericks put the result beyond doubt, unleashing a venomous low drive that sealed Hanover Park’s return to the Coke Cup final to sparked jubilant celebrations among their enthusiastic supporters.
Vasco da Gama goalkeeper Gershin Kock saves a crucial penalty during the penalty shootout against Norway Park in heir Safa Cape Town Coke Cup semi-final, at the Stephan Reagan sportsground in Westridge, Mitchells Plain on Sunday. Vasco won 5-4 on penalties after the match ended 2-2
Image: Mark Ward
In the day’s other semifinal, Vasco da Gama had to dig deep to overcome a determined Norway Parks outfit in a dramatic encounter that ended 2–2 after regulation time and was ultimately decided by penalties.
Vasco appeared to be cruising to victory after goals from Gareth Young and TJ Diedericks gave them a commanding 2–0 lead. But Norway Parks mounted a thrilling comeback, with Danian Warely pulling one back before Tasreeq Ahmed struck the equaliser to send the tie into a tense shootout. That’s where Vasco’s goalkeeper Gershin Kock emerged as the hero, saving a crucial spot kick from Norway Parks’ Waylin Smith to send his team through to yet another Coke Cup final.
After the match, a visibly relieved Vasco coach Robert Pretorius praised his team’s resilience.
A relieved Vasco da Gama coach Robert Pretorius, following his side's 5-4 win on penalties in their Coke Cup semi-final against Norway Parks.
Image: Mark Ward
“I knew from the start it was going to be tough. Norway Parks had already beaten us twice in the league this season, so we expected a real battle. Credit to them for coming back from being 2–0 down and forcing extra time shows the quality they have. But for us to come through and reach another final is fantastic,” said Pretorius.
The final will now see two of Cape Town’s top amateur clubs go head-to-head in what promises to be a thrilling clash of champions on Saturday, October 18, at Athlone Stadium.
In the women's section, The Magic Ladies FC, last season’s runners-up up beat the defending Champions, Dangerous Heroes, 2-0, and will face RV United in the final.
Cape Town Spurs will face Everton in the boys under-18 final after beating Ubuntu 4-2 on penalties.
Yaseen Hartley celebrates after scoring Hanover Park’s first goal during their Safa Cape Town Coke Cup semi-final against Ashford Athletics, at the Stephan Reagan sportsground in Westridge, Mitchells Plain, on Sunday. Hanover Park won 2-0.
Image: Mark Ward
Ashford Athletics' Tristan Julies plays it cool under pressure during his side's Coke Cup semi-final against Hanover Park.
Image: Fuad Esack
The linesman and fans keep a close eye on the action as Hanover Park's Imtiyaaz Ruiters keeps the ball in play with his opponent breathing down his neck.
Image: Fuad Esack