Riverside FC coach reveals success recipe

DEFENDING East London Central Local Football Association premier league champions Riverside FC’s success since last season has been built on foundations that combine grit, pluck and industry.

But club coach Kelly Smith believes the familial bond between the players is the key ingredient of their fairytale run.

“Hard work, determination, team spirit, good players... every little thing all together. Belief too,” he added.

On Sunday they brushed aside Shiloh 4-0 at the North End stadium to remain unbeaten after three rounds of fixtures.

Striker Sheldon Stevens rounded off a fine allround performance when he completed his brace with a superbly taken free kick and Keith Bantom and Ronaldo Benny added the other goals.

Atlantic Spurs remain the only other side with an unbeaten record in the league when they beat Pride of India 3-2. Spurs were 2-0 up inside 20 minutes through goals from Alberto Martins and Irwin Cramford. Ronaldo Fray reduced the deficit in the second half by Stan Prins secured the three points for Spurs with a superb finish.

Eugene Mitchell scored a consolation goal for Prides with but a few minutes remaining. Seagulls’s Allistaire Visagie produced a talismanic performance in the heart of the Seagulls defence as his side earned a hard fought 2-0 win against Brothers of Peace in their CC Lloyd derby encounter. Junaid Freeks and Ayanda Balekile were amongst the goals.

Vinay Vaaltyn was the hero for Cambridge United as he netted twice to earn his side a 2-1 win against Napoli while Renaldo Joubert scored with virtually the last kick of the game to lead Swaraj to a pulsating 1-0 win against Conquerors.

In the other result, Star of India thrashed Pefferville United 6-0.

In the ECLFA First Division Black Birds remained unbeaten and on top of the league standing after they picked up a comfortable 2-0 win against FC East London.

Parkside United remain second after they beat Egoli United 2-1 and East London United moved up into third place when they beat Millan 31. In the other first division results Central United picked up an invaluable 4-0 win against Saints and Buffalo City Soccer School return to winning ways when they defeated Leeds United 2-0.