JAKARANDA FC players could not hold back their tears after their 2-1 defeat against Champion FC on Sunday, during the regional decider Nedbank Cup match at WSU Stadium.
The Champion FC victory meant that they were going to represent the OR Tambo region in the provincial Nedbank Cup against teams from different regions.
The Lusikisiki players were hoping to be among the last 32 Nedbank teams in South Africa and were optimistic about their chances.
Sunday’s match was not easy for Champion FC, as the muscular Jakaranda FC players were also fighting for the win.
The Nedbank Cup is the only cup which provides a platform for players from all tiers of SA football to make a name for themselves against PSL and NFD clubs.
The Champion FC coach, Mongezi Mankangeni, told Mthatha Express that the win proved that the players could play football.
Mankangeni said they were impressed by the team’s performance, and that anything was possible in the cup.
“They had a good display today. They fought until the last minute and this was not an easy game,” said Mankangeni.
The coach said they used the Nedbank Cup games to prepare for the resumption of the SAB League, which was expected to kick-off soon.
The Champion captain, Khanya Sobantwana, said they were planning to be among the last 32 Nedbank teams in South Africa.
“Going to provincial level is a big achievement and we are very excited. Experience worked for us, and we will fight for a spot in the top 32 teams,” said Sobantwana.
