The SAB (South African Breweries) Cacadu Soccer League is back in full swing and there are some new faces on the block.
The SAB (South African Breweries) Cacadu Soccer League is back in full swing and there are some new faces on the block.
Grahamstown’s own 11 Attackers will represent Makana after being promoted last season. The club is lucky to be managed by Mvuyisi 'Vicki' Platyi, who has a wealth of experience after playing against South African teams such as Supersport United, Moroka Swallows and even Danish club Copenhagen FC.
Platyi said the club came from humble beginnings to finally reach the big league. Five years ago the club won the Makana League with players as young as 12 years in their ranks.
Coach Simphiwe Faxi played a vital role in their promotion, Platyi said.
“Our coach was instrumental in our success and I believe he is the one that deserves the credit, he is the best when it comes to developing young players," Platyi said.
"Most teams that we were competing against were far more experienced compared to our boys but our coach had a plan for every game. He managed to keep the players focused and motivated.”
Platyi said their journey to the Cacadu League began when they started motivating players through annual awards.
“Two years back we started hosting our soccer awards. It was tough without any sponsorship, but thanks must go to coach Faxi and our kit manager, Mfundo Jamela for supporting me financially to fund the award ceremonies,” Platyi said.
Before the Cacadu League began, 11 Attackers took part in the Nedbank Cup. They lost the game 4-0 to United Eleven but Platyi believes they gained great experience from it.
“The Nedbank Cup game was good for us. The coach was happy with the performance of our players, he only used two players over the age of twenty. That for us is a success, especially since we were competing against the team that won the Cacadu League last season.”
The fight for promotion has been a difficult one, Platyi said, but his love of the game and loyalty to the team has pushed him through.
“All in all our journey was stressful and exhausting, there was a time when we wanted to stop supporting the club, but we could not because of the passion we have for our club and our players.”
