“Opportunity” is the word used by Cape Town Spurs’ sharpshooter Ashley Cupido to described the promotion and relegation playoffs.
The Urban Warriors had to dig deep and find inspiration after an extremely heartbreaking ending to their NFD campaign, where they lost out of automatic promotion on goal-difference.
Everything was set, Spurs were on top of the league table, they were playing at home, club legends were invited to witness the moment, nothing could go wrong until it did.
Full-time at Athlone Stadium.#CapeTownSpurs#UrbanWarriors#MotsepeFoundationChampionship#OURYOUTHOURFUTURE pic.twitter.com/ufbKw0KtJM
— Cape Town Spurs FC (@CapeTownSpursFC) May 14, 2023
Unbelievable is the word that rings in my head still, even if it’s been two weeks since that sad day at Athlone Stadium.
Cupido, who was confirmed as the NFD top scorer at the PSL End of Season Awards on Sunday night, however is choosing to see it as an “opportunity” to try again.
#PSLAwards2023 #MotsepeFoundationChampionship Top Goal Scorer: pic.twitter.com/qVRx7j25QX
— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) May 28, 2023
The SA U23 ace tells the Daily Voice after netting the winner in their 1-0 playoff opener against Casric Stars on Sunday: “It’s difficult to forget about it. It took about a whole week to recover from the disappointment.
“We can do nothing about the league now. It’s done but lucky for us we have a second opportunity. And what needs to be done.”
Spurs deserve to be among the elite clubs with the setup they have at Ikamva, which has kept up the trend of being one of the country’s talent development hubs.
Ashley Cupido – Simply On Fire 🔥❤️🔥#CapeTownSpurs#UrbanWarriors#MotsepeFoundationChampionship#OURYOUTHOURFUTURE pic.twitter.com/WhjnqKA2wb
— Cape Town Spurs FC (@CapeTownSpursFC) May 30, 2023
The makeup of their support staff is also something a lot of top clubs would be jealous of, with head coach Shaun Bartlett, assistant coach Nasief Morris and goalkeeper coach Calvin Marlin, all being top former players.
Morris, although he’s a former Santos man, remains one of the Cape’s finest South African defenders ever, while Bartlett and Marlin both have a much deeper connection as former top stars for the club under different names (Ajax CT and Spurs).
Cupido says he has personally benefited from working closely and getting advice from his head coach, who is a former international striker.
He adds that the trio’s experience as former players has been crucial in helping them get back up and take another shot at getting into the top flight.
Cupido explains: “Our technical team and the experience of our coaches has helped us put it (the disappointment) behind us and leave it there in the past and focus on this opportunity that we have now.
“This is the last one for us. Spurs is a big club and we love it here, This is our home. We have a very good environment, very professional set-up, so it’s going to be tough to take if we don’t reach our goal.
“It would be very disappointing if we don’t get promotion, so we have to push.
“The fixtures favour us because we now have two home games coming up, so that’s a possible nine points up for grabs. This is a massive one coming up now (this weekend) against Maritzburg United.”
It's match day again⚽
— Maritzburg United FC (@MaritzburgUtd) May 31, 2023
🆚️ Casric Stars FC
🏟️ Harry Gwala Stadium
📅 Today, 31 May 2023
⏲️19h30
🎟 FREE ENTRY with a ticket (Collect ticket today at MUFC Office (397 Victoria Road) before 2 PM & AB Jackson after 2 PM).
🔵⚪️🔴#WeAreUnited #TeamOfChoice #FillUpHarryGwalaStadium pic.twitter.com/rvgUNFF1IA
Spurs will welcome Maritzburg to Athlone this coming Saturday for their second fixture of the playoff campaign.
Maritzburg will host Casric on Wednesday before they come to Cape Town.