Hanover Park FC — a team the community can unite behind — says Coke Cup winning chairman

The Coke Cup returned to Hanover Park this weekend, this time it’s the “Brasse van die Park” who brought pride and joy to the community following multiple successful campaigns staged by clubs from the area over the years, including the newly-crowned champions who had won the title on three previous occasions.

In an exciting final at Athlone Stadium on Saturday, Hanover Park edged Vasco da Gama 2-1 to claim Safa Cape Town’s most prestigious title. The victory sparked wild celebrations that warmed the chilly, blustery night air, with supporters dancing, singing, and waving their club’s colours until long after the final whistle had blown.

Ruduwaan Anthony, club chairman and assistant coach, beaming with pride, paused amid the jubilant scenes in the players' dugout to reflect on what the win meant for the community. 

“I’m super proud of what the players have achieved, but this vision is about more than football. It’s about Hanover Park, our neighbourhood.  It’s about our people and their daily struggles.  “Yet sport triumphs,” he said. “This is what community upliftment looks like. We must keep building.” 

The triumph marks Hanover Park’s third Coke Cup title, following wins in 2009 and 2012. For Anthony, the success carries extra meaning; he also guided the club’s predecessor, Premier United, to three titles in 2001, 2002, and 2005. Fellow Hanover Park-based side Diadora won the Cup in 2022 as well as 2023 to become the first side to win back-to-back Coke Cup titles.

Anthony recalled, “Our vision started way back in 1980 with Premier United and had great success with the team. In 2007, we decided to change the name to Hanover Park FC to unite the community behind one identity. Tonight, this victory shows that vision has paid off,” said Anthony.

Saturday’s final lived up to its expectations as a nail-biting encounter, yet the most entertaining in more than a decade. Hanover Park took the lead midway through the first half when Yassen Hartley finished neatly after a flowing move down the left.

Vasco da Gama came out firing after the break, but it was Hanover Park who struck the decisive blow to tighten their grip on the match. Togeur Classen produced a moment of brilliance, unleashing a thunderous strike from outside the box that left the Vasco goalkeeper motionless as it rocketed into the net.

Vasco’s TJ Diedericks gave his side a lifeline with 15 minutes remaining, setting up a tense end. Hanover Park however, stood resolute, closing ranks, defending discipline until the final whistle.

Classen, a former Cape Town City Diski player, reflecting on his wonder goal and a performance which earned him the Man of the Match award, said. “I just looked up, saw the space, and went for it. I’m ecstatic to have contributed in this way. It feels amazing to play a part in the team’s success.”