Hanover Park through to the last round of 16
Hanover Park's Morné Abrahams, left, and Everton rival fight for possession during their sides'Coke Cup round of 32 clash, at Rooikrans, in Grassy Park.
Image: Mark Ward
Mark Ward
Hanover Park FC, affectionately known as the Brasse of the Park, have set its sights firmly on cup glory in Safa Cape Town’s prestigious Coca-Cola Amateur Cup competition, the oldest running football competition in the Western Cape.
On Sunday, they made their intentions clear with a resounding 6–0 victory over the Nyanga-based Everton FC at the Rooikrans sports ground in Grassy Park, storming their way into the last round of 16.
The Brasse wasted no time asserting their dominance in this round of 32 encounter, and by halftime, they already held a commanding 3–0 lead, thanks to a superb brace from Maurees Theart and a clinical strike from Tougeur Claassen.
Siyanoa Mamaboi of Everton and Shamiel Assur of Hanover Park FC tussle for possession during his side's Coke Cup fixture, in Grassy Park, on Sunday.
Image: Mark Ward
With the match seemingly in the bag, Hanover Park coach Ralph Hendricks, opted to rotate his squad in the second half, making several substitutions while still maintaining full control of the game. The fresh legs brought renewed energy, with substitute Yaseen Hartley finding the back of the net twice before Emtiyaaz Ruiters capped off the demolition job with a well-taken strike.
For Hendricks, the triumph was another step in what has been an impressive journey with the club. A stalwart who has been involved with the club in his community for over 25 years. He took over the role as head coach role last season on the insistence of club chairman Rieduwaan Anthony and quickly guided the team to a league and cup double in the Cape Town Tygerberg LFA.
His wealth of experience, combined with his intimate understanding of the club’s culture, has been instrumental in shaping the Brasse into a formidable force with its sights firmly set on winning the Coke Cup.
Hanover Park coach Ralph Hendricks.
Image: Mark Ward
Despite the emphatic win, Hendricks remains grounded. “Look, we have a good squad of players, but in football nothing is guaranteed, both on and off the field, as you could have noticed how recent events have played out. I remain confident that we have what it takes to push through to the final rounds.”
The Coke Cup is known for its unpredictability, where underdogs often rise to challenge, but with a squad boasting depth, talent, and a hunger for success, Hanover Park is positioned to mount a serious challenge after falling out in the round of 16 last season.
For the Brasse, it is not chasing silverware but to continue to inspire its community and prove once again that Hanover Park is a name to be reckoned with in Cape football.