High-flying FC Tafelzucht will have their work cut out when they face Saxon Rovers in the semi-finals of Safa Cape Town’s flagship competition, the Coca-Cola Amateur Cup, at Westridge, on Sunday.

For now, the newly-crowned LFA-Mitchell’s Plain league champions are happy to celebrate their 2-1 win against Heideveld’s Young Pirates, in a Coke Cup quarter-final played in Hanover Park, at the weekend.

Joy and and pain as player number 7, FC Tafelzucht’s Yaseen Hartley and teammate Keith October celebrate their sides 2-1 win against Young Pirates, in a Coke Cup quarter-final fixture, in Hanover Park, on Sunday. Harley scored the winning goal late in the second half. Picture: Fuad Esack

Tafelzucht struggled to find their rhythm for most of the first half with their opponents leading 1-0 going into the break, thanks to a strike by Alphonzo Roman with an assist coming off a header from Shamiel Assur.

Coach Nigel Hawyn and co changed tact in the second half to take control of the game, resulting in better ball possession and goal-scoring opportunities.

Their efforts were rewarded when Keanu Josias equalised matters late in the second half with a deflected shot that hit the target in the 75th minute, followed by Yaseen Hartley’s header in the 84th minute. Hartley’s overall performance earned him the player-of-the-round award.

FC Tafelzucht’s Keanu Josias dominant in the air during his side’s 2-1 win against Young Pirates. Picture: Fuad Esack

“The first half was quite difficult, all credit to Young Pirates,” said Hawyn, urging the players not to panic, to play it cool as if it was just another game.

“We reminded them to trust one another as a team, to go out there and play for our community, that's the driving force of our project,” he said.

FC Tafelzucht’s Keanu Josias takes a shot at goal during his side’s 2-1 win in a Coke Coke quarter-final match against Young Pirates. Picture: Fuad Esack

Aerial battle... FC Tafelzucht’s Nathaneal America beats his marker during Sunday’s Coke Cup quarter-final against Young Pirates. Picture: Fuad Esack

Hawyn, who’s been with the side for three years, can be forgiven for feeling somewhat relieved when referee Ryan New blew the final whistle. “The furthest we've gone in this competition was the last 16. We are on a high of excitement and joy, it’s all still sinking in. All preparation now for the next round,” he said.

FC Tafelzucht’s Keanu Josias, Darren Dankers and Omar Ajouhaar jumps to avoid colliding with Young Pirates’ Shamiel Assur during their sides’ Coke Cup quarter-final in Hanover park, on Sunday. Referee Ryan New dismissed an appeal for a penalty. Picture: Fuad Esack

While the focus is now on their next assignment, Hawyn took time to reflect on a season that can be described as their best since the club’s establishment in 2013.

“In spite of the many hurdles we had to face, like training facilities not having lights to train under, our boys showed passion and love for our community and club. That's one of the things that have pulled us through. So far we've won the first round, second round and overall league with knockout finals,” he said.

Tafelzucht’s Seth Allen and Young Pirates’ Shamiel tussle for the ball during their sides’ Coke Cup quarter-final in Hanover Park, on Sunday. Picture: Fuad Esack

FC Tafelzucht’s Emeraan Rayners, centre, battles for possession with teammate Omar Ajouhaar coming up in support, during their side’s Coke Cup quarter-final against Young Pirates. Picture: Fuad Esack

Tafelzucht’s Omar Ajouhaar challenges for the ball during his side’s Coke Cup quarter-final match against Young Pirates. Picture: Fuad Esack

“We had our ups and downs but we remain humble. Talent is one thing but passion and heart that our boys have shown is the main thing that's gotten us this far,” he said.

“This project started in 2021 with the late Jeff Isaacs,” said founder-member and club chairman, Kenny Hendricks, paying tribute to the former Westridge soccer fundi known for his influence on the game in Mitchell’s Plain and beyond.

Coke Cup player-of-the round, FC Tafelzucht Yaseen Hartley, causing problems for the defence during his side’s 2-1 win against Young Pirates. Picture: Fuad Esack

FC Tafelzucht’s Omar Ajouhaar gains possession in the air during Sunday’s Coke Cup quarter-final match against Young Pirates. Picture: Fuad Esack

FC Tafelzucht’s Seth Allen, left, under pressure from Young Pirates Shamiel Assur, keeps his composure during their sides’ Coke Cup quarter-final clash, in Hanover Park, on Sunday. Picture: Fuad Esack

“I believe football is not just playing the game but the administration must know what the football brains are doing and vice versa. Our referees department was key to the success. I have respect for all referees because without them there will be no football,” he said.

In other senior Coke Cup action, Saxon Rovers beat Two for Joy 2-0 to set up a semi-final date against FC Tafelzuct; Vasco da Gama beat Goulburn 2-0 and Manenberg’s Young Idols beat Bonteheuwel’s Bluegum United 5-2.

FC Tafelzuct’s Keith October can barely contain his delight following his side’s 2-1 win against Young Pirates. Picture: Fuad Esack

FC Tafelzucht goalkeeper Mujahid Sabera and club spoorters in the background, celebrate victory. Picture: Fuad Esack

FC Tafelzucht under-8 player Kian Hendricks and fellow supporters in celebratory mood following Sunday’s 2-1 Coke Cup quarter-final win against Young Pirates.

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