Eastern Cape ABC Motsepe League champions Tornado FC coach Thobela Bikwani had his wish granted yesterday when his side were drawn into the five-team group of the national playoffs.
Bikwani, an optimist of note, welcomed the draw that will see Tornado pitted against Western Cape’s Steenberg United, KwaZulu-Natal’s Kings United, Mpumalanga’s Apollo 11 and Orbit College FC of North West.
The matches are scheduled to take place at the Dr Molomela Stadium in Mangaung with two National First Division (NFD) spots at stake and Bikwani is looking forward to it.
“This is a good draw for us and as per my wish we are in the group that is made up of five clubs which gives one the chance to bounce back if they stumble,” he said.
In addition to the promotion to the National First Division, a whooping R1-million prize money for the champion of the week-long tournament will be up for grabs.
Only two clubs will get promoted, that being group toppers with the other group made up of four teams.
Making up Group B is JDR Stars who are representing Gauteng, Limpopo’s Magesi FC, hosts Manco FC and Morester Jeug of the Northern Cape.
“We stand a good chance and are confident that we will come out tops in Group A because our goal is to get promoted and nothing less.”
But the Eastern Cape provincial representatives will not have it easy at all, especially when one looks closely into their opponents.
On paper, Kings United are the favourites to win the group if their numbers during the provincial league campaigns are anything to go by.
The KZN outfit won their provincial league by a whooping 80 points and recorded only two losses in the process having scored 89 goals in 32 matches.
Then there is Steenberg United who happen to be the first opponents Tornado will collide with on Monday at 3pm.
Western Cape sides have an impressive track record at this national event.
However, Bikwani is unfazed by both.
“We are all provincial champions and there will be 11 players each side on the field of play.
“As for Western Cape, fortunately I have clues about their style because I am a product of that province myself having been born and cut my football teeth there.”
Tornado will be hoping to emulate Mthatha Bucks who had a successful run at the same event last year and eventually got promoted to the second tier of domestic football.
If Bikwani’s charges succeed in their mission, EC is guaranteed two teams in the NFD next season.
The other two clubs in their group, Orbit and Apollo are the underdogs who may well be the dark horses.
Tornado have demonstrated incredible strength in attack while impressively solid at the back during their provincial campaign.
However, they tend to crack against minnows which is something they will have to guard against in a short tournament such as the national playoffs.
Tornado will be in action for three days in succession starting on Monday before they complete their round robin matches on Friday.
Topping the group will guarantee them a spot in the final scheduled for next Sunday where they will meet the winner of Group B.
Tornado eye NFD spot Coach - believes side will leave up to expectations
Bikwani, an optimist of note, welcomed the draw that will see Tornado pitted against Western Cape’s Steenberg United, KwaZulu-Natal’s Kings United, Mpumalanga’s Apollo 11 and Orbit College FC of North West.
The matches are scheduled to take place at the Dr Molomela Stadium in Mangaung with two National First Division (NFD) spots at stake and Bikwani is looking forward to it.
“This is a good draw for us and as per my wish we are in the group that is made up of five clubs which gives one the chance to bounce back if they stumble,” he said.
In addition to the promotion to the National First Division, a whooping R1-million prize money for the champion of the week-long tournament will be up for grabs.
Only two clubs will get promoted, that being group toppers with the other group made up of four teams.
Making up Group B is JDR Stars who are representing Gauteng, Limpopo’s Magesi FC, hosts Manco FC and Morester Jeug of the Northern Cape.
“We stand a good chance and are confident that we will come out tops in Group A because our goal is to get promoted and nothing less.”
But the Eastern Cape provincial representatives will not have it easy at all, especially when one looks closely into their opponents.
On paper, Kings United are the favourites to win the group if their numbers during the provincial league campaigns are anything to go by.
The KZN outfit won their provincial league by a whooping 80 points and recorded only two losses in the process having scored 89 goals in 32 matches.
Then there is Steenberg United who happen to be the first opponents Tornado will collide with on Monday at 3pm.
Western Cape sides have an impressive track record at this national event.
However, Bikwani is unfazed by both.
“We are all provincial champions and there will be 11 players each side on the field of play.
“As for Western Cape, fortunately I have clues about their style because I am a product of that province myself having been born and cut my football teeth there.”
Tornado will be hoping to emulate Mthatha Bucks who had a successful run at the same event last year and eventually got promoted to the second tier of domestic football.
If Bikwani’s charges succeed in their mission, EC is guaranteed two teams in the NFD next season.
The other two clubs in their group, Orbit and Apollo are the underdogs who may well be the dark horses.
Tornado have demonstrated incredible strength in attack while impressively solid at the back during their provincial campaign.
However, they tend to crack against minnows which is something they will have to guard against in a short tournament such as the national playoffs.
Tornado will be in action for three days in succession starting on Monday before they complete their round robin matches on Friday.
Topping the group will guarantee them a spot in the final scheduled for next Sunday where they will meet the winner of Group B.
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