Battle stations as playoffs get into starting blocks

IT’S all systems go for the ABC Motsepe League playoffs to be held at the Army Base in Grahamstown on Saturday.

The eight teams representing each region in the Eastern Cape have been divided into two groups.

Group A has the hosting side – Manchester United from Sarah Baartman, Amavarara from Chris Hani, Happy Movers from O R Tambo, and the Madibaz representing Nelson Mandela Bay.

In Group B well decorated Mighty Bucks from Joe Gqabi will clash with FC Siyanda from Alfred Nzo, Blackpool from Amathole, and Buffalo City Metro’s Birmingham City who were also present as last season’s instalment of the tournament.

Safa provincial secretary Isaac Klaas said although not all the teams were present at the draw last week, they conducted an open and transparent process.

“Everything has been going accordingly, even though we had to continue with the draw without all the teams, but those that were present were happy with the proceedings,” he said.

“All these teams will be playing under the SAB League uniform rules and regulations, but for the playoffs we had to emphasise on certain issues that might interrupt the tournament.”

Klaas said they have also inspected the Army Base Field grounds.

“The fields are getting prepared and I was told that by Thursday all the fields will be ready for the weekend,” he said.

“And the local organising committee will keep on monitoring that throughout the week.

“These playoffs are overdue so we hope people will come out in their numbers and support their teams.”

He said both groups were tough and he expected fireworks from the clubs that were going to the tournament for the first time.

“It’s champs versus champs, so I don’t want to undermine any team, because last season the talk was about Amavarara and Madibaz,” said Klaas.

“Nobody ever said anything about Try Again and Bizana Pondo Chiefs, and those teams were not mentioned and they won and got promoted to ABC Motsepe League.”

He said he hoped that all the teams will give their best and play a good brand of football.