Hazendal United advance to round five of Bayhill play-offs

Hazendal United Football Club booked their spot in round five of the Bayhill Premier Cup play-offs on Saturday, January 25.

The Rygate Local Football Association-based side beat Nyanga’s Black Birds Soccer Academy 3-2 on penalties, after a goalless draw, at the Langa sports complex.

From the 48 teams that participated in Langa, Hazendal was one of 24 teams that booked their spot to the next round.

Goalkeeper, Luciano Ryan Samuels made a decisive save during the penalty shoot that ensured the dream was kept alive for the club from Bokmakierie.

The coaching staff, Kurt Wicks and Sameer Anderson said their goal of reaching the last 12 is getting closer.

Wicks said Hazendal’s strength lies in their ability to move the ball effectively. While Saturday's match was evenly matched, he feels they didn’t fully capitalise on their strengths.

However, he believes the team adapted well and ultimately got the result they were looking for.

“I am not one hundred percent happy with our teams performance. I feel like we did not play to our full potential. Especially in the first half. We adapted to what Black Birds were doing and tried to play the ball over the top instead of taking control of the ball and playing through the lines because that is where our strength lies,” said Wicks.

Since 1991, Hazendal United has been driven by its values of moving forward with unity and dignity.

This past weekend, coach Wicks echoed that sentiment, expressing the strong belief he has in his team’s ability to uphold those principles.

“I am proud of my team for fighting through. Heading into the Bayhill in April, we will do whatever we need to do this weekend to improve the team and get a better performance and not just the result. I believe my players have the ability to do that and the ability to do that very well,” said Wicks.

In other results, Blue Gums United won 4-2 against Bellville City. Trinitarians won 4-1 on penalties after a goalless draw against Summerville. Fish Hoek walked away 2-1 victors over Strandfontein AFC.

Leads United lost 2-1 to Junction Rovers FC. Stephanian Ottery got the better of Beacon Spurs with one unanswered goal. Kensington beat Juventus 2-1 in an end to end encounter on Field C.

De Novo United from Stellenbosch won 2-1 against Riverside Rangers. Young Bafana scored five unanswered goals against Galaxy Spurs. Idas Valley won 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw against Eastern Rovers AFC.

Masithandane won 3-2 against Jordan Callies. Lavender Hill got the better of Invincible Cravenby with a 1-0 scoreline. Central AFC won 4-1 on penalties against Hamiltons after a 2-2 thriller. Ravensmead beat FC kapstadt by a goal to nil.

In scorching conditions, refreshed by the sponsors and the football at play, Delft FC beat Abahlobo 2-0. Eerste River won 2-0 against Franschhoek Spurs.

Maties FC beat Electric City 2-0. FC Cafda won 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw against Samora Celtics. Cape Town Fushion won 4-3 on penalties against Celtic Wanderers FC.

Salt River Blackpool advanced to the next round with a 7-6 penalty shootout win after a 1-1 scoreline against Zimasa Stars FC. Langa’s United Brothers were narrowly beaten 2-1 by De Beers AFC.

Green Point Salesians went down by a 2-1 scoreline against Geelbooi Sporting. Ruyterwacht beat Valencia FC from Makhaza 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Aberdeen walked away 3-1 victors against Lansdowne FC.

Phase five of the play-offs is scheduled for Solo Street, in Retreat, on Saturday February 1 and Sunday February 2.