Salt River Blackpool secure three spots in CDFA knockout finals

Lonwabo Marele|Published 5 months ago

Ashford Football Club’s Shakier Fisher wins a free kick against Salt River Blackpool’s Yaqeen Sauls in an under-18 Cape District Football Association Knockout semi-final at the William Herbert sports ground on Saturday, October 5. Sauls’s defensive prowess helped Blackpool win 1-0 against a stubborn Ashford. Picture: Lonwabo Marele

Three teams from Salt River Blackpool have made it into the Cape District Football Association (CDFA) junior knockout finals at the William Herbert sports ground this coming Saturday, October 12.

Salt River’s under-12A boys’, under-14A girls’ and under-18 boys’ teams advanced through after competitive semi-finals this past weekend. Blackpool will meet fellow junior development giants in the city, Greenwood Athletic, in all three of their respective finals.

Under-14A girls’ coach, Shameel Davids said the season has been tough for the girls, but despite the challenges, they've persevered.

“Regardless of these obstacles, my girls have shown remarkable grit and determination. Once they’re on the field, all difficulties are put aside and their only mission is to have a good time... and win, of course. Both coach Aashiek and I are immensely proud of how far they have come. They are an amazing group of talented young ladies. The sky is the limit, girls!” said Davids.

Under-18 coach, Ismail Kara encouraged his troops to bring the trophy to Salt River after a 1-0 win over Ashford in the final.

“The journey was amazing. I watched this group of boys training hard, with some even travelling from Delft and never missing a session. On the pitch, they always fought till the end and worked together as a team, which got them to the final,” said Kara.

Chairman at the Club, Iqbal Kasker wished all the teams well in their quest for the CDFA Knockout finals.

“Having three teams playing in the finals is massive, noting that our under-14 girls’ team will be going for the league and cup double. Credit must be given to both the players and coaches for their efforts,” said Kasker.

Salt River Blackpool’s under-14A girls’ team won 4-1 against Blue Bells AFC to advance into the CDFA Knockout final on Saturday, October 12. They will meet Greenwood at the William Herbert sports grounds. Picture: Lonwabo Marele

The half-time talk by coach Maanie and coach Ismail was enough to motivate the young and hungry under-18 side of Salt River Blackpool to pull a 1-0 late victory over a stubborn Ashford Football Club in the CDFA Kncokout semi-finals in Wynberg on Saturday, October 5. The win advances Blackpool to a well awaited final against Greenwood Athletic, at the William Herbert sports ground, on Saturday, October 12. Picture: Lonwabo Marele

Despite a 1-0 defeat to Salt River Blackpool, Ashford’s coaching staff were pleased with their performance throughout the CDFA knockouts. In the chase for a trophy, coach Leroy said they have an under-10 side that’s been in fine form throughout the season. They will be gunning for a top spot when they meet Greenwood’s under-10B team in the Knockout final on Saturday morning, October 12. Picture: Lonwabo Marele