It all comes down to preparation says Magic coach

Mark Ward

After heartbreak two years ago, Keshia Herman, captain of The Magic  Ladies FC, finally laid her hands on the Safa Cape Town Women’s Coke Cup.

Herman,24, led Magic to a commanding 2-0 victory over RV United at Athlone Stadium, sparking jubilant celebrations among supporters and donors, sponsors, and club owners who have long championed women’s football in the Mother City.

Two years ago, The Magic Ladies went down 0-1 to the Philippi-based Dangerous Heroes; now is their time.

Herman, who was named player-of-the-match, hails from Parkwood, and now believes she can make a serious bid to break into the Banyana Banyana set-up and help Magic reach new heights.

It’s been an incredibly difficult season for women’s football in the Western Cape after the provincial Sasol League was shortened due to administrative issues, leaving hundreds of players without competitive football.

According to Herman, the league impasse led to a focus campaign dubbed  “Operation Athlone Stadium” with its main focus on winning the Coke Cup.

“There was actually nothing for us to compete for, and we turned our focus on winning the Cup. Our success tonight is the result of sheer determination and teamwork, something that was reignited when we were forced to play in a social league. Our coach, Winston Zeederberg, played a pivotal role in our success. We channelled all our energy into winning the Cup, and it all came together for us. Now we have to build on this,” she said.

“So it’s my second time playing the Coke Cup final. The nerves didn’t kick in yet. But when we stepped on the grounds at Athlone Stadium, I started feeling it,” she said, before leading her side onto the pitch. “You can say, it’s good nerves, you can hear the crowd, but you can’t see them. Your blood is actually pumping; you want it more,” she said.

For Zeederberg, it all came down to preparation. He’s been there before and understood the pressure that comes with playing in a big final.

“The first time I was here, we were all over the show. I said to the girls that they brought me here to redeem myself,” jokingly said. “The last two finals, I needed to watch from the VIP box because I got a red card in the semi-finals. Today will be the day when I’ll be on the bench,” he said.

In the end, it all came together beautifully for the coach and his charges.

“I believe if you’ve done the prep, if you’ve done the work, there’s nothing more that I can do. I said to them I still have one more job to do, and that is to pick the First X1. Then it’s all up to them,” he said.

“Like they say, if you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail. So we’ve prepared well, and we hope that will bring us some joy come the end of the 80 minutes,” said Zeederberg.

The coach was not disappointed as Herman and co ultimately lifted the trophy.

While Herman lauded Zeederberg's guidance, she also paid tribute to Miles October, founder and driving force behind the club, Play Sport4Life (PS4L), a non-profit organisation that has been promoting sports development in Cape Town communities for the past decade.

“Play Sport4Life is the heartbeat of Magic Ladies. We’re more than just a football club; we are part of a bigger mission. I work with PS4L during the week, coaching at schools and helping with community programmes. Football is our platform for creating opportunities, both on and off the field,” explained Herman.

October, visibly emotional after the final whistle, said the triumph was a long time coming.

“We’ve been patient and kept believing. Now our goal is to become the best women’s team in South Africa. This is how women’s football will grow, through clubs like Magic Ladies. We have some exciting plans that we’ll be announcing soon, but one thing is certain. Magic is only moving upwards,” he beamed with pride. 

• Additional reporting by Fuad Esack