Ubuntu Cape Town’s magnificent 3-2 triumph over Polokwane City should have a domino effect of galvanising neighbours Cape Town All Stars and Steenberg United FC.
All Stars have a tough outing against PSL giants Mamelodi Sundowns at Athlone Stadium on Friday night (8pm kickoff), while Second Division team Steenberg take on Orbit College at Parow Park on Saturday afternoon (3.30pm kickoff).
With Ubuntu having shown the way, and Cape Town City also qualifying for the last-16 with a 1-0 win over Wits, All Stars and Steenberg have an opportunity to provide the Mother City with even more representatives in the next round.
Steenberg are currently in second position on the Second Division standings – and they have beefed up their squad ahead of tomorrow’s game with the signing of former Orlando Pirates striker Lennox Bacela.
“Lennox has been training with us since Monday,” said Steenberg coach Mike Lukhubeni.
“Everything has been agreed with regard to terms, and we will see if we are able to register him in time for the game.”
The 34-year-old forward will certainly add some experience and intelligence to Steenberg’s attack, while at the same time providing some guidance for the young players in the squad.
“We have very young boys, who have a dream of showing themselves and what they can do in football,” said Lukhubeni.
“It hasn’t been easy to get to this stage, but we have worked hard, and we are motivated to do well.
“I am always happy to see players progressing. This is an opportunity for the youngsters to show what they are capable of.
“They don’t always get a platform, but now they have one. Our main dream is to be promoted to the First Division, but if we can do something before that, we will go for it.”
Lukhubeni admitted that he didn’t know too much about the opposition, a Second Division side from Rustenburg in North West, but they will be tactically and mentally prepared.
“While we don’t know what to expect, we will prepare as normal,” said the Steenberg coach. “There will be nothing different.
“As we do for a league game, or even if it were Kaizer Chiefs, we would treat the preparation and the game the same. Every game is important.”
While Steenberg consists predominantly of emerging youngsters, Lukhubeni has a few experienced campaigners to create a balanced team – in addition to new man Bacela, Steenberg also have former Chippa United players like goalkeeper Abduragman White and striker Robyn Rhode, as well as seasoned defender Edmund Petersen.
@Reinerss11