The unbeaten run of Cafda Football Club came to a halt when they lost to Crystal Palace on penalties, in the last eight of the Safa Cape Town regional third division playoffs, at the William Herbert sports field, on Saturday.
The Retreat side won four of their opening games, beating Juventus 4-0, Rising Stars 2-1, All Nations 4-1 and Electric City United 7-1 to progress to the last 8 section where they met with eventual winners, Crystal Palace.
The game against Palace was evenly matched on paper and at the end of the 90 minutes the score was nil all. It could have went either way, but lady luck was on the Manenberg side, winning 4-3 on penalties.
Chairman at Cafda Football Club, Ashley October said he is proud of the consistency and achievement of his side throughout the season.
“Firstly, allow me the opportunity to thank our community for coming out in their numbers to support our boys over this season. Secondly, I want to thank the executive and coaching team of Cafda FC. All these people share their time and enthusiasm for teaching soccer and coaching young men. Lastly, our boys. You have made us all proud and you should hold your head high for the season that’s just passed. The standard of excellence you displayed in your soccer will take Cafda FC to new new heights,” he said.
October said the club stands for “restoring hope and unity in a community where it seems impossible but through football and prayer, we trust that the river of living water will flow again”.
“As we stand at the end of our journey this season and with the play offs I need to reinforce that the measures of success are not only found with the statistics or wins. I want to remind Cafda FC and its loyal supporters that our success is found in the friendships, lessons and maturing that are the result of effort, selfless commitment to the team and dedication to personal betterment,” he said.
October said they will look back to the 2022 season as a vehicle to focus more on the upcoming season with excitement of the challenges and successes it holds.
“I want to assure you, this is not the last you will hear of the great achievements of Cafda FC. For now the players and support team will enjoy a much needed break and spending time with their loved ones. As Cafda FC, we wish everyone a joyous and peaceful rest of the year… From the FC Cafda team as we believe there’s no I in TEAM,” said October.
