Unbeaten Santos push on after rocky return to ABC Motsepe League
Santos’ Aniq Burton, left, and Inter City's Conner Jales battle in mid-air during their sides' Western Cape ABC Motsepe League fixture played at Thornton, on Saturday.
Image: Mark Ward
Mark Ward
It has been a turbulent few weeks for Bradley August and his Santos side, but after boardroom uncertainty finally gave way to action on the pitch, the former Bafana Bafana striker has found reasons to be optimistic.
Santos were only readmitted to the Western Cape ABC Motsepe League fixture programme two weeks ago, forcing the club into an immediate and demanding catch-up phase. While most teams in the competition have settled into the rhythm of the season, Santos have been under pressure to close the gap after missing the opening rounds.
Club owner Goolam Allie and head coach August have accepted the situation, even though it means a congested schedule with midweek fixtures and, at times, home matches now played away from their base.
August, who has been in charge for just three weeks, admits the unusual calendar has made it difficult to properly prepare his squad.
“The reality is that I have not had a proper training week with the players since I arrived. This week we play midweek, then again on Saturday, and after that I believe there is a week off. But this is what has been given to us, so we have to make it work,” August said.
Santos coach Bradley August is cautiously optimistic following his side's 1-0 win against Inter City, at the weekend.
Image: Mark Ward
Despite the logistical challenges, results on the field have been encouraging. Santos remained unbeaten after a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Inter City at the Thornton Sportsground on Saturday. Striker Dante Brown scored the decisive first-half goal to secure Santos’ second win in three matches played so far.
August says he has embraced the challenge rather than being distracted by the unusual circumstances surrounding the club’s return to competitive action.
Jayden Jampies of Inter City controls the ball under pressure from a Santos player during their sides' Western Cape ABC Motsepe League fixture played at the Thornton sportsground, at the weekend.
Image: Mark Ward
“This is the challenge I’ve been given, and I’m not complaining. I’m one of those coaches who enjoys difficult situations like this. I’m not going to stand here and moan, and I’m certainly not going to worry too much about the opposition. Like the win against City, we went out there and did the job. For now, we are taking it game by game,” he added.
Santos currently occupy eighth place in Group A of the regional competition, having collected seven points from three matches. Inter City sits 11th on five points.
FN Rangers lead Group A with 16 points from six matches and remain unbeaten. Competition has been equally fierce in Group B, where newcomers Diadora have made an impressive start and top the standings with 17 points. Grassy Park United are close behind on 15 points and are also unbeaten so far.
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Conner Jales of Inter City and Santos’ Maurice involved in an aerial battle during their sides' Western Cape ABC Motsepe League fixture played at the weekend.
Image: Mark Ward
Inter City’s Dale Wakefield, right, controls the ball as Santos' Suhayl Allie closes in, during their sides' Western Cape ABC Motsepe League fixture played at Thornton, at the weekend.
Image: Mark Ward