Seagulls up against Parkside
PARKSIDE United are unfazed by the need to sharpen their attack against the CC Lloyd-based Seagulls today when the two teams clash at 2pm at the North End stadium in a highly anticipated Wellington Ncgobo Memorial cup final.
The match will officially bring down the curtain on a successful 2012-2013 East London Central Local Football Association inaugural season.
The tournament is sponsored by National First division outfit Blackburn Rovers and its club owner Dumisani Mcedani as a tribute to the late Wellington Ncgobo who was a superb football administrator in the Eastern Cape and played a pivotal role in the successes Rovers achieved over the years.
Parkside United coach Bobby Labans said his players were not panicking because experience had taught them the key to winning.
“No one is wetting their pants,” said Labans, who has enjoyed a sparkling season as coach of Parkside, having guided them from obscurity to a top-five place in the LFA league.
“We had trouble converting our chances this season. We liked how we played but you have be more lethal in front of goal.”
Seagulls, aiming for an unprecedented double after winning the LFA league, will try to dominate possession against Parkside, whom they drew and then beat 1-0 in the league in two close encounters.
“I cannot say if we have a weakness,” said Seagulls captain Angelo Hoffman. “We have played lot of games without conceding a goal and I have a good feeling but maybe Parkside United can answer if we have a weakness.”
Seagulls are the favourites, having won the LFA league, but both sides have thrilled neutral observers with their dashing football in this season’s competitions.
Seagulls are expected to take the initiative with Parkside's strategy based around high-energy pressing and rapid counter-attacks.
Seagulls coach Vernon Nono said he was expecting a fast-paced encounter.
“You expect that in a cup final. There'll be a quick pace, lots of oneon-one challenges, a lot of passing and both teams will be working hard to win.”
Hoffman, Lonwabo Vuso and striker Leroy Stuurman will be key figures for Seagulls while United will bank on the form of Anelise Ncedani and Athenkosi Kleinhans as well as their veteran goalkeeper Morné Swartz for much needed inspiration.
Both sides booked their places in the final after scraping thorough on penalties in their semifinal encounters.
Seagulls beat arch-rival Parkside Sporting and Parkside United overcame Cambridge United. It all points to an intriguing cup final between two old adversaries which is sure to draw a huge crowd.