Cambridge Football Club stumbled at the last hurdle when they had to win the last league match in the Hollywood Bets league to ensure they would play in the playoffs for the AB Motsepe League.
They came up short against 11 Experience FC, and the game at the Kwa-Thema Stadium on May 11 was a draw.
Before the match, Cambridge FC knew what was at stake and tried their utmost to score. They dominated the first stanza and scored within 10 minutes when Mothusi Mqele hit the net.
The atmosphere was electric, but the players could not hear the referee’s whistle at times, so the officials stopped the match for a while so the supporters could calm down.
The second half was a different story. 11 Experience took the match by the horns and attacked whenever possible.
They scored within 20 minutes of the second half to tie the score. Both teams attacked the ball when the opportunities arose but scored no further goals.
Cambridge’s progression depended on the result between FBS and New Generation Boys. FBS won 3-1, thereby eliminating Cambridge from the playoffs.
“It was a bitter pill for the Nigel faithful to swallow, who just missed out on a playoff spot. We can only learn from this. We know the league is a marathon. We will return stronger and wiser in the new season,” said coach Mini Cooper Dineka Mthimkhulu.
“The season was stressful, and it shows that if you do not take your chances, it will come back to bite you. We had many financial challenges, and to not walk away winners in the last match is heartbreaking,” said Cambridge FC chairperson Ignatius Maphike.
“But we are proud of the boys’ achievement to finish third, and we want to thank everyone who assisted us financially this season. Most importantly, our supporters were all champions for supporting and standing by us throughout the season. We will start preparing for the new season in July.”
