Tawana FC, made up mostly of teenage players, emerged as unlikely 3-2 victors in their first topflight football match since they were established seven years ago.
The club was formed when the North West University (Potchefstroom campus) bought the franchise of Tawana FC. The club was from Ikageng just outside the town.
When the draw for the cup took place two weeks ago, the Stars management must have thought they were guaranteed a spot in the last 16 of the competition. But the club — led by former national under-23 team coach Steve Komphela —were shocked and suffered an early exit.
“I think the skill, execution and the movement of the players on the night was better than that of the opposition,” said Ted Dumitru, who offers technical advice to Tawana coach Zipho Dlangalala.
“The Platinum Stars players were also puzzled by the level of commitment during the game. But a win for the team was just a bonus.
We are working on a project that is much bigger than that, and have been on it for over a year.”
Tawana gained promotion to the Vodacom League in 2006 and still play in the third level of South African football. However, they came into the Nedbank Cup on the back of a disappointing season.
“They still need to work on their experience to achieve a different type of football to what is available in this country,” said Dimitru.
The draw for the next round of the cup will be on Monday.
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