Komani United owner Thabo September has reflected on his side’s heartbreak after narrowly missing out on a spot in the SAFA Eastern Cape ABC Motsepe League Provincial Playoffs on the final day of the season.
The race for the Coastal Stream’s top spot went down to the wire, with both Old Grey and Komani United finishing level on 38 points.
However, Old Grey’s clinical efficiency throughout the campaign proved to be the deciding factor. Their superior goal difference of +23 was good enough compared to Komani’s +15, allowing them to secure a place in the provincial decider.
As a result, Old Grey and FC Ravens [Inland Stream winners] will clash in the provincial playoffs to be crowned the overall Eastern Cape champions. The winner of this playoff will represent the Eastern Cape at the SAFA ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs.
THE EASTERN CAPE ABC MOTSEPE LEAGUE FINAL DAY DRAMA
Old Grey played out to a tense 1-1 draw against Seven Stars last month at the Police Field in Gqeberha. In addition, Old Grey found an equaliser in the stoppage time of the second half to earn a spot in the playoffs. Meanwhile, Komani did their part by securing a 2-0 victory against Emi FC at the Dumpy Adams Stadium in Queenstown. Despite the win, the margin was not enough to overturn the goal difference deficit.
‘WE CHALLENGED FOR THE LEAGUE TOO LATE’: THABO SEPTEMBER
Speaking to FARPost in an exclusive interview, September admitted that a slow start to the season cost his side.
“You know, it was tough. We challenged for the league late in the season in a way,” September said. “The team started picking up points in the second round, where we won seven games in a row, drew one, and lost one,” September told FARPost.
“But it was a little bit too late because the team that was number one, Old Grey, really had the momentum. They didn’t lose any games the whole season; they were invincible.”
September noted that while they gave it their all in their final game of the campaign, Old Grey’s late-game heroics in their respective fixture sealed the deal.
“In the last game, we just needed to go all out and see what happens. On the other side, Old Grey equalised against Seven Stars in the dying minutes [92nd minute] to progress. It was a good lesson for us to make sure you start well and collect points in the first round,” he added.
“But all the best to Old Grey; I think they deserve to be number one for the way they have played. I wish them all the best in the decider against FC Ravens.”
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