Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Struggling Vasco bring in the ‘Special Branch’ to help stabilise the situation
IF you’re of an age to remember Sammy Troughton, you’ll remember the composed yet pugnacious footballer who prowled and policed the midfields of Arcadia Shepherds, Jomo Cosmos, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns in the mid- to- late 1980s.
Tough and uncompromising, the Northern Irishman, who arrived in South Africa in 1985 to play for Arcadia, was nicknamed “Special Branch” by South Africa’s frenzied football followers.
The moniker was an obvious reference to the player’s menacing presence in midfield, but also a stark reminder of how brutally people were policed during the era ( the Special Branch was the feared police unit used to crack down on movements resisting apartheid).
The name, therefore, says all that’s needed to know about how Troughton went about his business on the field of play. Now, in his coaching career, Troughton has left his rugged, gritty playing persona behind him as he patiently charts the way forward for the next generation of footballers making their way in the South African game.
Having just recently been installed as head coach at NFD club Vasco da Gama – Troughton’s first stint at working in the Mother City – he is already quickly adapting to his environment and allowing his battling and indomitable attitude to permeate the players under his care at the Parow club.
There is a sincere passion in his voice when he speaks about his job. He’s coached at the University of Pretoria, Mpumalanga Black Aces and Orlando Pirates, and he’s more than keen to offer a contribution to turning things around at Vasco – both now and, perhaps, in the future.
Troughton, though, is under no illusions as to the task at hand. He’s taking things one game at a time at Vasco, not looking too far ahead, and admits that he leans heavily on his two lieu- tenants – Keenin Lesch and Angelo Julius ( assistant coaches) – to guide him through the culture of Cape football and the traditions of Vasco as a club.
Vasco had major ambitions when the club was taken over by businessman Mario Ferreira in July 2014. Ferreira is also a major shareholder in top Portugal club, Vitoria Guimaraes. A link with the Portuguese side was quickly established and a plan to get them promoted to the PSL was put in place.
But things haven’t gone according to script... Vasco found the themselves in danger of relegation this season and Troughton, after being fired at the University of Pretoria, was summoned to steady things.
His presence appears to have had a positive influence in that Vasco are unbeaten in their last three games – two draws and a win. The last victory, over neighbours Santos, was Troughton’s first experience of a Cape derby.
“After leaving Tuks, I had a few offers, but I found the Vasco challenge rather attractive,” said Troughton.
“I’d never worked in Cape Town before and I found the owners to be extremely passionate about the game and their club.
“The team was struggling and I’ve now come in with the aim of stabilising things and making sure the club survives. Obviously, coming in here blind, I was never fully aware of what I was getting into to, and I’ve relied on the assistance of Keenin and Angelo – and they are both really passionate about Vasco.
“We’re on a mission and things are improving, after two draws and a win. The derby against Santos was good and credit has to go to the players.
“We developed a game plan, in terms of how we wanted to approach the match, and they carried it out to a T. But there’s still a long way to go to safety and we just have to keep working hard at it.”
As things stand at the bottom of the NFD standings, former PSL giants Moroka Swallows are last with 16 points; just ahead them are Africa Warriors (18 points), Mthatha Bucks (22 points), Vasco (23 points) and Santos and Thanda Royal Zulu (both on 24 points).
“It’s a traffic jam at the bottom,” said Troughton. NFD fixtures Today: Moroka Swallows v Highlands Park, Witbank Spurs v Mbombela United, African Warriors v Cape Town All Stars, Vasco da Gama v Baroka FC (Parow Park, 3pm), Milano United v FC Cape Town (Athlone Stadium, 3pm), Royal Eagles v AmaZulu. Tomorrow: Black Leopards v Mthatha Bucks, Thanda Royal Zulu v Santos.
At the top of the table are Baroka FC with 50 points, followed by Highlands Park on 48, Witbank Spurs ( 45) and Grassy Park’s Milano United on 44 points.
But Vasco have an opportunity to influence proceedings at the summit, as well as do neighbours Milano a favour, when they host log leaders Baroka at Parow Park today (kickoff 3pm).
“We’ve got a few tough games coming up, but it’s better to be playing teams challenging for the title, rather than those at the bottom,” said Troughton. “The challengers are under pressure and we have to use that to our advantage.
“I’ve come in to help at Vasco and I’ve just gone with the flow, and decided to work with the players that are here. Sometimes when you make big changes at a club, it just doesn’t work.
“And the squad has been fantastic … their commitment has been great and I see potential here. So far, so good. Now we just have to keep going. Baroka will be tough, but the players just have to consistently give the action and commitment they have over the last few weeks.
“The one thing I’d like to see, though, is that Parow Park again becomes a difficult place for opposing teams to get a result. I remember when coaching at other clubs, we used to dread coming to Parow.
“That hasn’t been the case recently … I want Vasco to get that home spirit back again, and make teams fear playing at Parow Park.”