For the second time in more than two decades at the Rygate Local Football Association (LFA), Bokmakierie Hazendal FC’s premier division team were crowned the champions since the club’s inception back in 1991 and the community of Bokmakierie and Hazendal are celebrating following the premier division side being crowned the champions at the weekend.
Manager Igshaan Kitching said their senior team won what was then called the super league 28 years ago, before they got relegated to the first division 17 years ago.
Seven years ago they won the first division and got promoted into the premier league.
Over the past weekend, they beat Jordan Callies 3-2 to be crowned the premier division champions.
They now await news from Safa Cape Town on who they will play in the play-offs for a spot in the Castle SAB Regional League.
Head coach, Russel Davids, is a former PSL player with Mother City, as well as NFD side Cape Town City way back. He has coached youth division sides for Ajax Cape Town, Ikapa Sporting and ASD.
Davids said when they started training earlier this year, they only had five players present, in the next training session, they had nine players, and from there, the numbers grew.
Throughout the Rygate LFA they have been one of the consistent sides. They even beat favourites Bonteheuwel earlier in the league.
Davids said assistant coach, Tohier Martin, has been instrumental in helping the team.
He said they do not have a training ground or tracksuits, but when you watch them play, you would think they have everything.
Davids said they motivate each other, they are the strength and motivation the community needs, and with this win, he is hopeful more opportunities will open up for the team.
“It is more than football – it is truly a community. The team’s performance is about motivation and assistance for each player because their circumstances are different. These boys have been in the same community since they were 5 years old, they have become friends and now teammates,” he said.
Davids said he is “super proud” of the boys. “The whole community is standing behind us 100% and they must continue to support us. We need tracksuits and a training field. Imagine if we get promoted to the SAB Castle League and win it too because it is possible,” said Davids.
