Coke Cup champions Diadora FC talisman, Siyambonga “Siya” Madikane, 34, knows all too well what’s at stake when it comes to winning major cup finals. A key player in last year’s winning campaign, Madikane was on fire in this year’s edition, scoring a hat-trick in his side’s 3-1 win in their quarter-final against at Dunoon.
On their way to the finals, they also beat Table View FC 3-1 in the last round of 16 at Rooikrans sports complex, and Hazendal 4-1 in the semi-finals, at Westridge, to set up a cup final date with Goulburn Athletic AFC. While much of the squad from last year’s cup winning side remains intact, some new blood has been added.
Madikane has been with Diadora for the past two years and has worn the captain’s armband on a few occasions, along with other senior players. Prior to joining the Hanover Park outfit, he also spent time with Zizwe United, Young Bafana, FC Cape Town, Mbombela United, Ubuntu Cape FC and Cape Town Spurs.
“I must say it was a good feeling to see the community of Hanover Park gather at Athlone Stadium to celebrate our victory,” he said, recalling last year’s Coke Cup win. “The thing that keeps us going is the togetherness within the squad and how we fight for one another. We are like family here at Diadora. Everything has been going according to plan,” he said.
Regarding Saturday’s showdown, Madikane is cautiously optimistic.
“We expect a side that is full of running and a fighting spirit,” he said. “They are a young side with a high level of energy, but we are ready for them,” he said.
• In other action, Matroosfontein will face Cape Town Spurs in the under-18 final and Dangerous Heroes will face Magic Ladies in the women’s section.
