Despite a less than desireable result, Hout Bay United Football Community (HBUFC) was quick to grab the opportunity to take on PSL newbies, Cape Town City, in a friendly match in Kronendal, last week.
Going up against a City side brimming with confidence following their 1-0 victory against Ajax Cape Town and a 1-1 draw against Highlands Park, was always going to be a tough challenge for the home side.
However, as with all friendlies, the match gave players and coaches an opportunity to experiment.
Despite the eventual scoreline, the HBUFC players gave City a run for their money before succumbing to a 5-0 defeat.
Given a chance to showcase what they were capable of, the players didn’t disappoint, taking the game to their opponents.
The side were particularly impressive in the first half holding their more experienced opponents to a 0-0 scoreline at the halftime break.
The expectations were even higher going to the second half and even a possible upset was on the cards.
However, the PSL side, with experience and home grown talent like midfielder Duncan Adonis on their side, stepped up a gear with a flurry of goals.
In the end, higher fitness levels and taking their chances in front of goal proved to be the difference between the two sides.
Coach Bradley August said playing against a PSL side was a step in the right direction. The former Bafana Bafana striker said the friendly match came about after an agreement with his former Ajax boss John Comitis and former teammate Craig Roslee.
“We have talented young players here in Hout Bay. The youngsters have already shown they have what it takes to make HBUFC a force to be reckoned with. We also want to see them going far in their careers,” said August.
