How Troughton built Stellenbosch’s successful team on a rock-steady spine
SO what can we expect from Stellenbosch FC as they embark on the opening match of their promotion play-off campaign? At stake is a prestigious and financially rewarding spot in the PSL. This is the team’s big opportunity – and, in putting the squad together, the most important feature for head coach Sammy Troughton was the spine of the team.
When Stellenbosch get their play-off campaign under way with an opening fixture against Baroka FC at the Athlone Stadium this afternoon (kick-off 3pm), it’s the start of their desire to secure a place among the elite football clubs in the PSL. The race for promotion to the top-flight will be contested by three clubs – Stellenbosch, Black Leopards and Baroka.
Looking at the Stellenbosch squad, from goalkeeper, to the centre of defence, central midfield and striker, Troughton has made sure that through the middle is where the strength of the team is found. And the strategy is the same for the play-off games over the next few weeks.
It’s no secret that any team with designs on success needs a reliable goalkeeper. When the University of Pretoria decided to release Zimbabwean custodian Washington Arubi, Stellenbosch pounced to bring the player to the Cape. Troughton had worked with the experienced shot-stopper before, and the 31-year-old hasn’t disappointed. He’s played a vital role in getting Stellenbosch to the play-offs and, now, he’s hoping to inspire them to the PSL.
In the centre of defence, Stellenbosch have an excellent duo in Marcus Lecki and Junaid Sait. Lecki, 22, is on loan from Wits. He is a promising defender and has been a great asset for Troughton’s team this season. Junaid, who has had a spell in Sweden with Falkenbergs FF, has football coursing through his veins, in that he is the son of former Santos, Cape Town Spurs, AmaZulu and Orlando Pirates star Kamaal Sait.
In reflecting on Baroka, their strength was quite evident when they beat Ajax Cape Town at the weekend. The Polokwane side is extremely difficult to break down; they are an organised side that keeps coming and keeps fighting. If there’s one thing Stellenbosch are going to have to do tonight, then it’s to try and find a way beyond their resolute and committed defensive structure.
For that purpose, Stellenbosch will look to their midfield, where the creative Stanley Muishond and the industrious Tshepo Mabua do duty. The duo has provided the offensive impetus – and they’ll be keen on maintaining their superb form in the play-offs.
Up front, Stellenbosch boast a deadly attacker in the powerful, bustling 33-yearold Senegalese, Mame Niang. Much-travelled and highly experienced, Niang has been a vital cog in Stellenbosch’s progress – and there’s no doubt that he will be a handful for the defences of Baroka and Leopards to deal with.
In the 2005–2006, he won the PSL’s top goal-scorer award when he netted 14 goals for Moroka Swallows.
In short, therefore, Stellenbosch have the team to achieve their objective – it’s now just about the implementation, the commitment, the determination and, above all, the desire: Because this promotion play-off competition is all about money, prestige and the opportunity to make even more money.
When Huddersfield Town took on Reading in the promotion play-off in England on Monday, the contest was labelled to be a game worth around £170 million – that, in essence, being the gap in expected earnings for a Premier League club and a Championship one.
In South Africa, while the sums are vastly different, the financial gap is nevertheless quite similar. PSL clubs receive a R1.5-million monthly grant, while NFD teams are on R500 000. When there are financial windfalls, the PSL benefits in a big way. For example, last year, the PSL handed out around R8-million to the 16 PSL clubs, with the NFD sides fed a few scraps at about R2-million each.
It is because of this huge financial discrepancy that there is always such a rabid desperation to get to the PSL. What’s more, it’s also important to note that promotion to the PSL offers teams the chance to land lucrative sponsors while, at the same time, elevating the financial worth of the club. For example, current NFD champions Thanda Royal Zulu, who are set to take their place in the PSL next season, are said to be weighing up an offer of R55-million from AmaZulu for their top-flight franchise.